The Amsterdam Chronicles: Def-Con City Trilogy Part 1

  Geoffrey Downes twisted and turned on the squeaky bed. The spasms wrenched every nerve and muscle in his body. When he thought he had enough air in his lungs to shout for help another spasm shot through him. His cry became an agonizing moan.

  Downstairs, his ever impossible neighbor had had enough; he could hear him thump on the ceiling with a broom.

  "Hey Downes, will you quit it up there?" He bellowed. "Why don't you take her to a park or something and let the rest of us get some sleep."

  Another spasm ripped through his body. His legs and torso stiffened; muscles seized and locked every joint in his body. For about eight seconds, he was paralyzed rigid. When it finally eased off he thought of his ex's labor pains. Her contractions lasted twelve hours, and she had Charlie, an eight pounder. His body must be contemplating an elephant. After ten minutes, the spasms were down to 30 seconds apart and drawing closer. He tried to shout for help, but another contraction wrenched the air out of his lungs.

  Ten minutes later the spasms in Geoffrey Downes' body were slower, heavier. His eyes were open but unfocused. His breath was quick and short. The last spasm wrenched through all the muscles in his torso, and the springs in the bed creaked one more time. His body finally relaxed, dead. For the first time that evening the room was totally silent.

  Downstairs his neighbor bellowed once again. "Well, it's about time, pervert. Next time go to her place instead of keeping me awake all night."