Fossil Lake: An Anthology of the Aberrant Read Free Page A

months.”
    “Right, months ,” she said.
    “It’s perfectly safe, Jo. They have scientists and doctors on standby just in case. I bet they’re always updating their procedures to keep up concerns. A business can’t continue if the customers keep dying.” He paused and added, “I won’t let you ruin this experience for me. We’ll talk about it later. Sit back, and go along with the ride. When it’s all over, you’ll be happy you went through with it.”
    Divorce had never been a thought in her head until now. Paul had never acted so stern toward her before. Never. This whole experience had changed him, and not into someone she appreciated. She wouldn’t divorce Paul, of course; she loved him, but they were definitely going to talk when the night was over.
    The sous-chef returned and acknowledged Jo. “Chef Baron LaVour has chosen your meal, but he wants it to be a surprise.” He then turned to Paul and said, “You, sir, did select a meal that requires heavy sedation. I’m afraid you will have to be put completely under for this operation.”
    “Oh,” Paul said with a frown. “Will I be able see when I’m eating?”
    “Yes. Although your dish involves the corneas, those only take a few minutes to regrow. Any other questions? No? Good. Ah, here comes the nurse now to prep you for the surgery.”
    The handsome nurse –  they must only hire models, Jo thought – approached the table again. His rolling tray now held two syringes placed on top. “Are you ready? I’ve been informed that both of you will be under for the procedure. Is that correct?”
    “Yes,” Paul said.
    This was it. The last second to drop out had arrived, and Jo no longer wanted to eat part of herself at Eat Yourself.
    “No,” she said. “I don’t want to go through with this anymore. It’s despicable, and I cannot believe I ever set foot in this horrid establishment.”
    Anger flared in Paul’s face. “Honey–”
    The nurse cut him off. “I’ve got this,” he said. “Mrs. Kline, many people have doubts at the last second. It’s perfectly normal. I’ll give you a little something extra to help calm you down, and then you can decide after that. Sound good?”
    “No. I want to be unhooked from all of this right now. I – hey! What do you think you’re doing?”
    Without her consent, the nurse had picked up one of the needles and plunged it into her IV. She tried to sit up, but he pushed her back into her seat. She would have struggled, but in her weakened state it was no use.
    Jo felt even lighter than before. Her eyelids hung heavy, threatening to close and darken the world. She wanted to stay awake, but whatever she had been given was too strong. Her eyes closed, and before sleep claimed her, she heard the comforting words of her husband.
    “Don’t worry, Jo. Everything will be perfectly fine when you wake up.”
     
    *     *     *
     
    Everything was not fine when Jo woke up.
    She opened her eyes to blurred vision. When she went to rub them with her left hand, bandages scratched at her face. Clearing her eyes with her right hand instead, she saw in horror what had happened.
    She was in the same chair. Set on the table in front of her was a plate. In the middle of the plate, arranged on a bed of greens, was a human hand. It had been cooked and grilled, the grill marks adding a fresh reality to the otherwise preposterous image.
    That’s my hand.
    Jo’s eyes went wide. She was dimly aware of Paul, sitting across from her, chewing happily on a section of artery, beaming with excitement and pride.
    “That’s my hand,” she said. “That’s my hand. That’s my hand!”
    “Jo? Jo, settle down. Jo! Help! Somebody help her!”
    Her mind melted into mush. She screamed for escape, thrashing and flailing at anyone who reached for her. After three men pinned her down and another jabbed a syringe into her neck, she felt herself slump to the floor.
     
    *     *     *
     
    “Get her out of here. Take her