"Uh-uh. Not me. I just want to ask a question. Those bodies, are they
going to autopsy them?"
"Not yet. Today."
"Well, look--"
I had a little trouble persuading him, but I got him to take down all
the data I could remember on the first one, the old hag. There would
be records on her at the County Hospital. They'd never make any charge
worse than body-snatching stick on that one.
The others? I chuckled. I was imagining the medical officers'
expressions when they ran into those stainless-steel bones, plastic
circulatory system, metallic wiring and the assorted other little
innovations that my wife--my _late_ wife--had installed in her
body-building exercises. That would give them something to think about.
So--that's my story; all of it up to now. I'm still here in my cool
little cell, and I am damned lonesome. But I am not scared. I figure I
have about four different kinds of insurance.
* * * * *
In the first place, the way I am built now, with all the improvements
in structure and durability she put into me, I doubt they could
electrocute me. I'd probably just short the equipment out. A thing like
that would make me quite a scientific curiosity, no doubt; but not, at
least, a dead one.
Second, there are my investments and the way the money has piled up.
You know and I know perfectly well that they just don't ever send a
million bucks plus to any electric chair.
Besides, third place, while I have no doubt I can be convicted of
something, I don't see how it could be murder. I wouldn't be surprised
to see me get sent to the loony bin. I won't much mind that. I have
nothing to do but wait anyway.
And, in the fourth place, which is what I am waiting for, there are my
children--hers and mine. They are coming back. Soon, I hope. Not alone,
I hope. "Tell them back there," was the last thing I said before they
left, "tell them I want a girl just like the girl that married your
dear old dad."
I admit it's a poor thing for a man to have to send his kids to do his
courting for him--but at least mine are pretty exceptional children.
Much better informed than most, too. They should bring me back a new
bride. They've got to.
Somehow I kind of have a feeling now that a blonde--maybe a tall,
willowy, statuesquely stacked type--might be nice for a while. After
that, I don't know. I'll have to think it over. The waiting is what is
going to be tough.
Kids aren't really undependable today. Are they?