Taking Out

The drive-thru speaker crackled to life. It emitted three rising notes and a burst of static like a log popping on a fire.

"Salvation or damnation?" came the voice, rusted and sticky.

"Uh, salvation, I guess?" said Troy.

"You will pay the entire price." It was not clear if this was a question.

Troy paused. "How much is the 'entire price'?"

"You must pay. You must pay. You must pay." The voice rose in intensity until the speaker fairly vibrated with the words.

"I said we should just go to McDonald's," Rebecca snapped from the backseat. "I only wanted a Happy Meal."