on my chest." Big Bill reached into his shirt and rubbed his skin with obvious discomfort. It's only failed once. They had to go back in and replace one of the major valves." He shook his head. "I can't take them going in there any more. Next time it craps out I'm just gonna lock myself in a room and die. They can cut it out before they bury me."

Heaberlin frowned and stared at Big Bill. He was speechless. A moment later, Big Bill smiled and slapped Heaberlin on the arm.

"Hey. My heart's fine. I was just fuckin' with you. Let's go inside."

Heaberlin let Big Bill walk ahead of him. He thought hard for a moment then said to himself, "what the hell am I getting myself into?"

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