(Author's note: Here is another "extra," out of format; it's related to the upcoming Halloween installment.)

A week after her ultimatum to the Eccentrics, Sayeva was faring much better. The new printer Jaime Rennick found for her was genial and cooperative, and even working at a discount. Her personal bank account was available again, with a considerable surplus at that, as was the separate account for the weekly. The staff were all safe and comfortable. No one was keeping them from pursuing their objectives. Sayeva still had one problem, but it was easily avoided.

The problem allowed himself to be avoided until that Monday, a week before Halloween. Sayeva walked into her private office to find him seated behind her desk.

She folded her arms and took a breath. The an...

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