Richard took the chair nearest the door and set his hands on his knees.

The wall clock said 2:38.

Outside the window, a flag cracked in the wind.

At 2:40 the door opened, and Michael came in.

He had on a gray suit that looked slept in, and his tie hung loose at the collar.

He glanced at his watch and sat down two chairs over.

“You got here fast,” Richard said.

“Highway was empty.” Michael took a folded sheet of paper from his jacket pocket and flattened it on his knee.