At Witt's End Read Online Free PDF Page A

twenty-one year old winced as he cradled his hand and tried to move his fingers. Rodney shouted, “You broke it. You broke my hand."
    Frantically directing his question toward Sadie, Theo repeated, “What's wrong with his hand? It's clammy."
    "You don't know you're dead yet, do you?” Rodney said. Stepping up to Theo, Rodney tapped the man's chest, pushing hard with each tap. “For your information Mr. Pansy-Ass-Big-Shot, you're dead. You're as dead as a mackerel. A stinking, slimy, rotting mackerel."
    Theo squared his shoulders. “You don't know what you're talking about.” Frustration smoldered as he continued, “Do I look like I'm dead? You, young man, wouldn't be talking to me if I were dead, now would you?"
    Reaching toward the briefcase Rodney matched Theo's exaggerated tone. “I would and I am. You're just as dead as the rest of the losers in this cabin."
    Rodney swatted at a greasy cluster of hair tickling the nape of his neck. A ragged shoulder seam on the left side of his t-shirt bragged of a recent confrontation, one of many the young man had started over the years.
    Sadie's shrill voice interrupted the clash between the men. “Rodney. That's enough. Either go back outside or go to the inner room."
    Glaring at Theo, Rodney said, “Loser. You're lucky I worked my ass off today. I'm too tired to deal with you.” Retreating toward the inner room, he stabbed his finger in Theo's direction. “Later, dude. Count on it.” He slammed the inner room door causing a framed picture to bounce and shatter against the floor.
    Sadie patted Theo's chair to encourage him to sit down. “It's not wise to get into a pissing match with a skunk.” She lifted a broom off a pantry hook and swept up the shards that had scattered across the floor. “Ignore him. He's got an attitude. He's cranky because his thirty days are slipping away.” Sadie motioned toward the inner room door. In a low tone she added, “Whatever you do, don't let him know you're afraid of him.
    "I'm sorry Rodney told you about your death. That information should have come from me.” She grasped the back of his chair and again gestured for him to sit down. “Most people are in shock when they learn their dead."
    "Death? Are you out of your mind?” Theo rasped.
    "Yes she is,” filtered through the inner room door. “All you have to do is look at her. Any idiot could figure that out."
    A gaunt young woman rose from her chair and touched Theo's fingers. As he jerked them from her grasp, Lora said, “Sadie's not crazy.” Looking toward the inner room door, she leaned in and whispered, “Don't believe Rodney. Sadie's the only chance you've got to reach your destination."
    Lora and her son Michael, the third and fourth crossers of the week, had arrived shortly after Rodney checked into Cabin 14. Lora was nothing like Rodney. Terrified and insecure, Lora needed constant encouragement. It didn't take long before Sadie realized the poor woman lacked the ability to make a death decision.
    Lora's unwillingness to accept her new responsibility concerned Sadie. Sadie coached Lora at length to get her to understand the urgency of making a sound decision. The lectures failed. Lora leaned toward a decision that held risk.
    Six-year-old Michael's objection to his mother's decision also added to Sadie's concern. Lora's decision led to doom. Her son's objections only added to the frail woman's dilemma.
    Theo's toe caught on the rug as he hurried toward the screen door. His voice trembled. “What's going on here? Her fingers are as cold as Rodney's. They might be dead, but I'm not dead.” His voice rose as he looked at Sadie. “I tell you I'm not dead."
    "I know you're confused, but you've got to calm down. There's so much I need to explain.” Sadie waited as Theo fumbled for the doorknob. “You have to make a decision and we're here to help you. The time you have left is limited. All my crossers are facing the same dilemma and will tell you about their concerns