I stood outside the Excellia gate wearing sust a plain jacket, dark shirt, and jeans that blended into the afternoon crowd.
Students came and went in small groups, laughing, complaining, living their normal lives.
I tugged at my sleeve and checked my watch.
Exactly 1:00 PM.
Right on time.
I lifted my head slightly and spoke to the air beside me.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes," a calm voice replied.
I nodded, even though no one was visibly there, then raised my hand and flagged down a cab pulling up along the curb.
The driver slowed, glanced at me, and stopped.
I opened the rear door and slid inside.
The front passenger door opened a second later.
By itself.
The seat belt snapped into place.
The driver froze.
His hands tightened around the steering wheel as he stared at the front seat, eyes darting between the empty space and the rearview mirror.
"Muridae Demesne casino," I said, keeping my voice steady.
The driver jumped.
