Cross the Line, Cross Them Out
He dialed repeatedly, but each attempt met the same automated voice: "The subscriber you have reached is powered off."
His bravado crumbled, and he spat, "Just you wait!"
He scooped up his shoes and bolted for the exit. The staff members shrugged and returned to their routines.
The manager bit his tongue, looking troubled. Reading his mind, I reached for my phone and called Imogen, but her phone was switched off.
One instance might be a coincidence. Two identical failures formed a pattern.
I clenched my fists until the muscles ached. A slow chill spread through me.