Zoe drums her fingers on the side of the elevator. “I’m scared, Arcade. What if they’re staring us right in the face when the doors open?”

“I never thought of that, Zoe. Thanks. Now I’m scared.”

“You’re welcome.”

“It must be a pain living in your brain.”

The fog increases and the temperature drops inside the elevator.

“I think maybe I’ve changed my mind about giving them the token.” I reach for my empty chain. It’s ice cold.

“Good.”

“So does that mean you’ll fight them with me?”

“Always.”

“Thanks.”

Why aren’t the doors opening?

Now the fog is so thick I can’t see anything.

“Zoe?”

“Yes?”

“Stay close, okay?”

She grabs my hand. “I got your back.”

*  *  *

A couple more minutes pass and the sounds of big band music—saxophones, trumpets, and trombones—fill the elevator. The doors open, the fog clears, and golden fireworks go off in the distant sky. We’re standing in a park. People are dancing, eating, laughing, and celebrating.

Okay, this isn’t so bad.

Everyone is dressed up, and I wonder if I’ll recognize the Badger brothers if I actually do see them. Someone taps me on the shoulder. I freeze.

“Arcade?”

It’s a woman’s voice, but it’s not Zoe. Zoe’s still standing next to me with a terror grip on my hand. She looks like she’s going to faint. I shake her hand off and turn around.

I breathe a small sigh of relief. “Oh. It’s you.” I nudge my sister. “Zoe, meet . . . uh . . . the Triple T woman.”

Zoe’s mouth drops open. The woman standing in front of both of us is the lady who I keep seeing and who Zoe never sees. She’s wearing her usual white sweat suit and the ball cap with the three glowing Ts on it.

“Hello, Zoe,” the woman says. “You are a loyal sister to Arcade.”

Zoe can’t say a word.

The woman continues, “I know, you don’t always see eye-to-eye. Little brothers can be a real pain. And, by the way, a stop sign is an octagon, with only eight sides.” The woman grins at Zoe and then winks at me. “And in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter?”

I nod. “Yes, it does!”

She laughs. “I knew you would say that.” Then she tips her head to the side. “You caught them on a good day. I think they’ll be glad to see you. But I wouldn’t trust them just yet. Stay with your plan.”

“Okay,” I say. “But what should I say to them?”

“You’ll think of something.” She turns and vanishes into the crowd.

“WAIT! I have questions!” Zoe yells, and she holds a hand out.

“Too late,” I say. “She’s a fast one.”

*  *  *