Page 109 of Chameleon Killer

“Cell service?”

“Assume none.”

“Tracking?”

“The access card may contain RFID beyond the door system. Your phone definitely does. He may expect you to leave it behind.”

“He didn’t say.”

“He didn’t have to.”

I thought about Brewster’s powered-off phone where it rested inside a metal cash box on the bookshelf.

“What about a burner?”

“Burners are only going to be good for one call—maybe.”

“Useful as a decoy.”

“Maybe.”

“Flint.”

“I said maybe.” That counted as progress. He uncapped the red marker. “We need a code phrase.”

“For what?”

“If you need help.”

“If he’s listening, he’ll recognize one.”

“Then it needs to sound natural.”

“Well that certainly narrows the options.”

“Not for you.”

I frowned.

He looked almost amused now. “You say strange things constantly.”

Strange things? My mouth dropped open. “That’s almost insulting.”

“Almost means it wasn’t.”

With a huff, I shook my head. “I’m charming.”

“You’re exhausting.”

“You’re still here.” The answer slipped out before I could stop it.

His expression changed.

So did mine.

Neither of us looked away.

“Yes,” Flint said quietly. “I am.”