T.H.E.i.

By Karl Tutt

With T.H.E.I., Karl Tutt, the master of mayhem and murder, he launches into a new genre . . . one that asks questions of a future that lurks just over a hideous horizon. Meet Mark . . . a man who has everything, a life that is perfect and a woman who honors his every desire. And if he has it all, why do the visions . . . the uncertainty . . . the demons . . . invade his mind and chase him into what could be his own personal hell?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karl Tutt
• Release date: Apr 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311579027

Karl Tutt

Karl Tutt is a retired English teacher from a dropout prevention program in Florida. He is a veteran cruiser who has published several sailing articles in national publications. His two new offerings, The Children of the Wolf and The House at Hull, continue the mastery of murder and mayhem demonstrated in the Ghostcatcher series with T.K Fleming, and his female sleuth, Dee Rabow, in the Diabla series. Quick, engaging, and satisfying . . . those words describe the approach that has lured thousands of readers to the pages of his murder mysteries.

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T.H.E.I.

by

Karl Tutt

Smashwords Edition

Copyright Karl Tutt 2016

All rights reserved without limiting the copyright reserved above. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, brands, characters, places, media and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction which might have been used without permission. The publication use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Thanks to Carolyn, my patient reader, and Sue, an editor who is generous with her time and attention.

Chapter 1

I measured my left arm today. I used a device that was once called a yardstick. I think they’re on the list of banned items. I found it behind a graying board in the closet. The nail heads were slightly exposed. At one time it had been pried loose. I guess the previous occupant hid it. I don’t know who that was. We’re not told much and any records are inaccessible to the proletariat. All of the measuring is done with lasers now, and I suppose T.H.E.I. believe that thing might be used to stimulate some sort of subversive thinking. At least that’s their excuse for the list. They would probably collect me if they knew . . . send me for more Camp. I’ve got some other stuff that is probably banned. My night shade, a bolt of light proof fabric totally black, large enough to cover me when I knelt. I also found a pocket knife . . . even a couple of books. I don’t read too well. They don’t teach us anymore. But every once in a while I’ll hide from Suzy and try to decipher some of those symbols. I did make out the title of one of them. WALDEN, by some guy whose name I can’t pronounce. It’s about living near a pond or something. The other one is by some guy named Aristotle. Something about ethics, although I’m not really sure what that word means.

I heard a light click. Someone was there. I stuffed the gear behind the sofa. It wasn’t the safest place, but it worked.

Good morning, Mark. I hope you slept well. You’re a bit late this morning.

Her voice is always a sweet melody, ringing with love. It reminds me of birds singing in trees, even though you don’t see much of them anymore . . . except on the Vid . . . and even that’s rare.

I’m good, Suzy, and thanks for asking. How are you?

Oh Mark, you know I’m always well. How could I be otherwise when we exist in this paradise? By the way, you were very special last night.

She cut me a coy look and ran her tongue over her lips.

Thanks, Suzy, but you know it’s always special with you. I mean your body, those places your caress on mine. . . the things you whisper softly to me . . . all of it . . . a type of Nirvana.

She smiled and shook her mahogany hair off her face.

I simply wanted to remind you that I am watching out for you always, and you can call me anytime you need me. Oh, and don’t forget your meds. Remember, your body needs them. You don’t want to be TC. Do you have plans for the day?

No, I didn’t, and I surely didn’t want to be TC. It was shorthand for Terminally Challenged . . . it might as well stand for totally crippled. But whatever it was