Chapter 12
Escape Clause
None and Maria enter the waiting room for the Law Offices of Shen Wong. A wall mounted TV rotates through pictures of buildings and construction sites. Display cases hold architectural models of shopping malls with miniature trees and cars.
A paralegal, Cathy Morgan, chews on nicotine gum at her desk. “Thanks for three days of hell. Unhappy boss, unhappy office.”
None steps towards a closed office door.
“Are you sure you need to be here?” Cathy blocks his path.
“I’m here to apologize,” None says.
Cathy crosses her arms and stares None down. “He’s not ready for an apology. Come back next week.”
Maria shoves Cathy aside, walks past None, and swings the door open. Maria makes a small bow and waves None in as if inviting None into her office.
None strides into
