#b ob

oh snap.

Audrey did indeed have Cooper's head when he came back.  She fretted over him and the police sheriff for about an hour while Shelly rushed in, bringing them clothes, towels and warm food.  They were lectured, and when Cooper told her he could not divulge what happened that night, as it was important to the case, Audrey launched into another hour of reminding them that they were adults and should always know to tell someone.  This was supplemented by Hawk coming in, his mousy, be freckled red headed girlfriend trailing behind him, and joining Audrey in the scolding.

Finally Harry was put in Hawk's charge and sent home, leaving Cooper defenseless against one mightily angry girlfriend.  She had rubbed his head dry, fiercely, muttering under her breath and even dressed him for bed, as if he were an invalid.  Around the fifth time she slapped his hand away he learned that it was better just to let her do what she was going to do.

In the end, he was able to end that night from hell his a kiss to the fore head and a "I'm still mad at you."  But at least he was able to sleep, knowing Audrey, while mad. would still be around.

This was not a dream.  This was not a dream.  This was not a dream.

This was jazz music.  There was no Clarice.  No Fox or Dana.  This was not a dream.  The Man from Another Place sat, kicking his short feat.  His wrists were tied to the leather seat.  He didn't look at Cooper.  The giant stood by the statue, looking gaunt.  Looking...sickly.  He wavered where he stood.

Laura parted the curtains and smiled at Cooper.  She came and sat in her seat.  She snapped her fingers.  She tapped her nose.  "Ereht si a eerht rof eno elas," she told him nodding.  "S'woh Yerdua?"

She smoothed out her skirt.  "I nac leef reh.  Tub emos semit ti struh ym kcen."  She bent her neck backwards, touching her throat.  A ling of tiny red circles were around her neck.

The phone was ringing.  When Cooper opened his eyes, the ringing stopped.  He'd just missed the call.  The room felt weird, it felt different.  It felt off in more ways than just making contact with the Black Lodge, though that was frightening enough.