The burner phone is ringing. I let the other go a long time ago – don’t need anyone knowing my coordinates right now.
I answer. “Hello?”
Nico’s voice flies through the phone.
“Dude, Lindy just left. He’s walking to the Golden Pillar to meet Mercury for breakfast at 9. It’s about a quarter of now so I figure we have about an hour and a half to get you on the ship. Where are you?”
My God, this is actually happening.
“Dockside Donut.”
Nico says, “Good! I’m on my way. Finish your coffee and donut, old man, so the leftovers don’t look suspicious. I’ll be there in three minutes. We’ll be alright – the streets are empty at this hour. I even have a spot planned for you. I’ll explain later.”
“OK, I’ll be ready when you get here.”
I hang up the phone and finish up my donut and coffee, per the boy’s request. I put on my jacket, and go outside. I see Nico coming up the street, crank up my collar and head over to meet him halfway.
“No bags,” Nico says. “That’s good. We’ll get you something after we get you settled in. Let’s move.”
And just like that, I begin to taste the daylight.