"Barry Longyear - Dark Corners" - читать интересную книгу автора (Longyear Barry)

“They didn’t know what to do with me at the mental hospital where I had been sent to assess if I was
competent to stand trial. One of the orderlies there asked me if I wanted help, and when I said yes, he
was the one who called Lycanthropics Anonymous.” She glanced at the fellow who chaired the meeting,
then to her left at a smartly dressed woman in her sixties.

“Ted and Margie were the ones who showed up for me. They told me their stories and met with me
almost every day, teaching me how to share and work the program. That was when I stopped turning for
the first time. I’d go back after a few days, but my periods out were shorter and shorter. By the time
experts on lycanthropy filed a brief with the court and the charges against me were dismissed, I hadn’t
turned for six days and that was three hundred and fifty-nine days ago. This was the first meeting I went
to after getting out of treatment, I asked Margie to be my sponsor, and she took me to meetings all over
L.A. until I could trust myself out at night by myself. It’s been a miracle for me and I never want to go
back to what I was before. Thank you for letting me share.”

Applause and howls erupted from the circle, Lyle clapping along with the others. As the applause
continued, Margie stood, presented Allyson with something, then gave her a big hug. Allyson returned to
her seat and Ted took over the podium. “Verra well, people, its time for our break. Coffee, donuts, and
the rest are in the refreshment area and we’ll pick this up again at midnight.”

As some of the members headed for the kitchen and a few others headed outside for a smoke, Lyle
leaned forward in his chair and rested his elbows on his knees. He couldn’t make up his mind. Should he
be afraid or fascinated? This was certainly a great subject of study for a thesis, but Ralph frightened him.
So did Waldo. Everyone else seemed all right, but it was such a bizarre affliction.
“Having a tough time making up your mind?” He turned to his right and Allyson was smiling at him.

Lyle shrugged and said, “Congratulations on the year.”

“Thanks.”

He nodded toward her hand. “What did you get?”

She opened her hand revealing a key chain. Hanging from the chain through a hole in its base was a silver
bullet marked with the numeral 1. “The program group gives these things out for anniversaries. I guess it’s
a bit of a joke.” She held out her hand. “I’m Allyson.”

“I know.” Lyle shook hands with her. “My name’s Lyle. Did that guy Ted say there’s coffee out there?”

Allyson nodded. “Coffee, tea, donuts, a little burger—”

“Burger?”

Allyson nodded and lowered her voice. “You know, ground beef. In case a newcomer starts freaking. A
little raw burger can sometimes help bring them down.”

Lyle stared at her for a moment and was about to say “you’re kidding,” when there was a loud noise
from the direction of the kitchen. He looked at the door leading to the kitchen as he got to his feet. “What
in the hell was that?” One of the members peeked out of the kitchen door and said to all those left in the
room, “Ralph’s in trouble. Get Ben. I think he’s out front getting a smoke.”

“I’ll do it,” said Lyle. Turning to Allyson, her back was toward him. He placed a hand on her shoulder