2. The Liar, the Bitch and the BoredRube

Complete story — includes the ending

Early tries to prevent Rusty from learning how to read, but Rusty surreptitiously continues reading. When Early discovers this, he plans to bomb the Dougal County book fair. Early ties Rusty up and departs for the book fair. Rusty is visited by the imaginary characters from his books, who plead him to stop his father and help him get free of his bonds. At the book fair, Early's bomb does not detonate. Dean Koontz points out that Early's "bomb" is missing all the vital components of a functional explosive, and recommends Early read the Black Panthers ' book on overthrowing the government. Early concedes he can't read, and Koontz shares that despite being an author, he himself can't read either, alleging that many famous authors can't read. Sheriff offers to teach both of them, and as they sit on Sheriff's lap reading " Fun with Bill and Claire " all three of them are shot in the head by Rusty attacking with a sniper rifle at the behest of another imaginary book character. Note: The title is a reference to the 1950 novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.