PLEASE TRY AGAIN, it says in phosphor green.

“I did,” snaps Astrid. “I did.”

The diagram shows a hand inserting the card strip-up, which she tries. There’s a short whine, and out it pops.

PLEASE TRY AGAIN. And the diagram, but this time strip-down.

“You. I. Can’t believe–” Astrid jabs it back in, and slams some buttons.

The screen wipes; more whining; somehow, her card’s in the bottom tray. In pieces.

REJECTED. HAVE A NICE DAY. And, smaller: BITCH.

Astrid remembers the hammer Morris left in her truck.

When the police arrive, they have to push through a cheering crowd.