Chapter 15 Section Fourteen

The rain is getting heavier.The only thing in our favor, Decker thought, was that it was the middle of the night and there was no traffic to hold us up. On slippery surfaces, however, he must concentrate to drive fast and avoid accidents.He had slept poorly the night before.Due to lack of rest, he has not recovered from jet lag so far.Now, he feels more and more sleepy.His eyelids were tight, his head ached, and he felt a pressure behind his ears. Amazingly, McKittrick showed no signs of jet lag at his age.His tall figure still sat upright.He pointed to the outside and asked, "Where are those tall buildings?"

"City University." Decker paused to check the map, and turned into a narrow street, then another.Each of these streets was darker and narrower than the other.He struggled to make out the numbers on the buildings that crowded together one after the other.Before a door, he stopped. "That's the address." McKittrick stared out the window with wide eyes. "Everything was peaceful, no lights, no police." "Looks like he hasn't been here yet." The sound inside the car made Decker turn quickly. McKittrick grabbed the door handle with one hand and was stepping out of the car.In the dark rain and fog, he could only be vaguely seen standing by the roadside.

"Are you going to—" "Many years have passed," McKittrick said with dignity, "but I still remember how to keep track. Leave me here and you go to the next address." "But--" "Maybe my son is already in here, maybe he's on his way here. If we both go to the next address, we might accidentally miss him. But if I'm left here like this, at least Nothing will happen to this place." "I don't think it's a good idea to divide the army." "If I were a person of your age, would you argue with me and disagree with me?"

"……No." "Now you have nothing to say." McKittrick began to close the car door. "Wait," Decker said. "I'm not going to let you convince me to change my mind." "I'm not trying to convince you. Here, you'd better take this. When I learned you were flying to Rome, I asked them to send a package to the corporate office. I've been waiting to see if it's necessary to send it to the for you." "A pistol?" McKittrick said startled. "You really think I need to point a gun at my son?" "I have a very ominous premonition about what will happen tonight."

"I reject--" "Bring your gun, or I wouldn't let you stay here." McKittrick's dark eyes were full of eagerness.He studied Decker for a moment, then took the pistol. "I'm going to get back as fast as I can," Decker said. "How do I find you?" "Drive slowly through the area, and I'll find you." McKittrick closed the door, tucked the pistol into his suit, and turned away, disappearing into the darkness.Decker didn't start the car until the old man's shadow, shrouded in rain and fog, disappeared from the Fiat's headlights.