Note from the author:

I seem to be missing the final copy of this chapter. I looked for it, and it simply isn't there. How frustrating is that?

I have the draft, but it's a horrible, ugly thing that should never see the light of day. Something I'm ashamed to admit even exists, much less publish.

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

I need to rewrite it again, apparently from scratch. Nobody is less happy about it than I am.

I'd promise to publish it as soon as humanly manageable, but I also happen to be heading to the emergency room. Forgive me.

My deepest apologies, and I'll have the actual chapter 28 up next week.