We’re taking the stairs two at a time, back in the dark, mind aflame like a swarm of fireflies. Fairchild injured somewhere above, one of the Roses dead, a new shade of red for the City Hall roof. All change. Here we go, do-si-do, pick your partner and follow me.
Shinji’s a spry one. Give a runt lamb a second chance and they gain a sudden spring in their legs. I’m struggling to stay on the turncoat’s heels. We’re approaching the thirtieth floor, and my rusty old blood starts boiling again.
Hell, I’m alive tonight.
‘Boy,’ I call down the stairs. He stops in his tracks, looks up. ‘Give me that damn key.’
‘Dag,’ Jiko says. She’s coming down behind me, panting. ‘Forget it, let’s go. The police will be here soon.’
She’s right about that, and they’ll bring lights and handcuffs with them. Bu
