Chapter 24: How This Is Going to End

I: Zane

I tucked myself around a corner in the lobby, by the elevators, and I watched Miles retrieve the note I’d left him at the front desk. I watched him unfold it, read it, and, for the benefit of the clerk, make an elaborate production of throwing his head back and laughing.

“Oh ho ho!” he said. “Have you read this?” He waved the notecard.

“No, senor.”

“A zany friend. A zany little game!”

Without thanking the clerk, he turned from the desk. I quickly stepped into the elevator. I didn’t press a button. The doors closed, and then opened again.

“Gah!!!” he cried when he saw me there, and he flinched.

“Get in, Miles. I’m not going to hurt you. Probably.” He hesitated. “Get in,” I said. “We both know you are not going to take the stairs. And I’m not going anywhere.”

Once he was inside, I pressed the button for the top floor.

“To give us some time to chat,” I said.

“I warn you: I know karate,” he said.