One Day Too Late

05

As they walked, Gally said, "After the Maze, I got picked up by a group and headed to the city. They realized I was immune, patched me up, and they brought me here to Lawrence. This group's been at war with WICKED ever since they took control of the city. But WICKED can't hide behind those walls forever. Day's gonna come, and they're gonna pay for what they've done." They came upon someone who could help. "Listen, uh, he doesn't get a lot of visitors. So, let me do the talking. All right? And try not to stare."

They followed Gally in and heard a guy muttering to himself. Lacey figured the man had to be Lawrence.

Lawrence said, "Gally, glad to see you made it back. Jasper told me what happened."

Lacey studied his face as he came into the light. It looked like half of it had been burnt off in some sort of fire. He was wearing black and tended to his plants.

"It was a slaughter," Gally said as he clutched his vest. "There's nothing we could do against those guns."

"No, but they can only poke the hornet's nest so long before they get stung. Now, who are these people? Why are they here?"

"We need to get into WICKED," Thomas said, stepping closer to Gally. "Gally said you're able to get us through those walls."

"Gally should know better than to make promises that he can't keep." Lawrence shifted his IV fluid stand. "Besides; that wall is only half your problem. Getting inside WICKED is impossible."

"There might be a way now," Gally told him. "But it doesn't work without Thomas."

"Is that so?" Lawrence asked. He stepped closer to the couple. "Do you know what I am... Thomas? I am a businessman. Which means that I don't take unnecessary risks. Why should I trust you?"

"'Cause I can help you," Thomas replied. "You see, if you can get us through those walls... I can get you what you need."

"What is it that you think I need?"

"Time. Every last drop."

"Is that what I need?"

"WICKED has something we both want."

"I'll tell you what. Three can go for now, but one has to be the blonde. The rest stay down here with me. Just a little insurance to make sure you find your way back. We have a deal?" Thomas and Lacey both shook his hand. "Gally, show him the way."

Gally took them to a sewer entrance and brought a ladder down from the top.

"Be careful, Thomas. Be careful, Lacey," Jorge whispered.

Frypan squatted and said, "Gally, take care of these three. Lacey especially. She's become like a sister to us, and none of us want her brother to lose her."

"Yeah,"?Gally answered.

Newt sat down to tie his shoe before joining Thomas and Lacey who were already below.

Once they got into the sewer, Newt grimaced. "This is gross. Jesus."

"No kidding," Lacey said.

Thomas replied sarcastically, "Yeah, this is great."

Lights were turned on and Gally said, "Stay with me. We got a ways to go."