The Sudden Appearance of Hope

Chapter 48

I found Parker easily enough; exclusive hotel, exclusive car, exclusive… everything.

Exclusive: to exclude. Limiting possession or control to a single group.

Followed him, watched him laugh, smile, shake hands, bow from the hips.

He had a website-picture of himself on the front, dressed in white, one hand resting on a roulette table, mirrors behind, crystal chandeliers above. Portraits of ancient kings showed them with their hands resting on the world; the sceptre and the orb; soldiers at their backs. A roulette table beneath his fingers, Parker from New York, Perfect Parker, ruling the world, perfect in every fucking way

not angry.

I am one thousand four hundred and eighteen.

Nineteen.

Twenty.

Used to be, no one remembered me, said his personal testimonial. Now I know what it takes to make an impression. Take a chance on perfection!

One thousand four hundred and twenty-one.

One thousand four hundred and twenty-two.

I watched him, and he didn’t remember me, but the world, it seemed, remembered him.

I contacted Byron14 the very same day.

I am a thief.

A USB stick is left in a storage locker at Tokyo station.

I take it and go.