56 Dale’s reputation for catching killers at conferences was wholly unfounded. But apparently he had a talent for turning closing ceremonies into chaos. Everyone babbled all at once. Dale looked away from the crowd, willing his recalcitrant brain to not even try sieving words from the maelstrom. Behind him, up on the podium, the con staff and guests had their heads bent to talk to each other. “Quiet!” Lilith’s voice boomed from the speakers. The tumult softened. Lilith met Dale’s gaze. Go ahead. Throw me out. Tell me I’m never welcome at Recompile again. I’m never leaving my apartment again. It’ll be just as great as quarantine but without the danger. Lilith spoke firmly, her amplified voice overwhelming the remaining mutters. “The conference committee is aware that our own John Da

