Hausman shook his head. “Sir, I do understand. But we require that students leaving early are released to a parent or guardian.”

“I know. That’s why I wanted to speak to you personally.”

Hausman thought a minute. He didn’t feel Musil’s request was really that unreasonable under the circumstances. The man was in law enforcement and knew his business. Moreover, he had his own concerns about the internet. He didn’t want to be the uncompassionate jerk whose name went viral for denying a hero’s request.

“Can you give me the GoRide information?” he asked, picking up a pen and memo pad.

“Yes, the driver’s name will be Terrence. I request him frequently. He’s very reliable.”

“And the car type?”

“A blue Mazda sedan...a recent model, I think.”

“OK. I’ll be in a meeting for the rest of the afternoon. But have him call my assistant Giovanna when he arrives. She’ll escort Jani and Raysa to the car.”

An audible sigh of relief.

“Principal Hausman, I’m profoundly grateful you could make an exception.”

“No problem. I’m just glad you weren’t hurt.” Hausman glanced at his watch again. “Sir, that meeting’s about to get started. But I’d like to send you my best thoughts. There’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Yes. Thank you. Goodbye.”

Musil hung up. Hausman hung up. Then Giovanna buzzed.

“Sir, the chairs are here for your two fifteen.”

When it rains, it pours, and I’m always stuck with no umbrella, Hausman thought.

And pulled out his meeting notes.

Grigor ended the connection with Hausman and snapped his phone into the empty dash cradle. He had been a flawless Amenjot Musil.

He felt heady and exhilarated. Almost out of body. While he would have preferred taking Musil with his first strike, things were still on course and clipping along. Also, the analyst had been a potential problem in his own right.

It was best that he’d been liquidated.

Grigor sat very still behind the wheel. There was something about successfully converting a plan into action, an indescribable high. Like he was transforming matter into energy and riding the wave. Like he was freed light.

He gave himself a minute to savor the feeling. Then he took a deep breath, pushed the ignition button and steered the Mazda from the driveway onto the street.

He was on his way to pick up the kids.

Carmody went to join Kali outside the ambulance. He looked at her and then at Musil.

“How you doing?” he said.

Musil did a half nod, half shrug. Carmody could tell he wasn’t close to half OK.

“I’ve seen you around,” he said. “Don’t think we’ve been introduced.”

Musil nodded. He held the recovered dastār in his right hand.

“I’m Carmody.”

“Jot.”

“My sympathies about your friend. I hear he was the best.”

“Thank you.”