PAUL AND DORLAND MADE THEIR WAY CAREFULLY

across the courtyard, hugging the shadows, balancing the need to get away from the boys who would be climbing over the wall behind them against the need to avoid falling over a bench or potted plant. Paul followed Dorland up the shallow steps and through the lighted archway, expecting at any moment to feel the sting of a dart between his shoulder blades.

The poison takes about thirty seconds, Selmer had told him. But I saw a man die from it and I can tell you that it's a long thirty seconds.

Inside the building, they moved quickly away from the entrance and stood still, listening. Silence. We were supposed to be here a half hour before the ceremony.

Paul hadn't stopped to think about the significance of the boy's statement, but now it was chillingly clear. A ceremony of some kind would be starting here before long. Which meant that he and Dorland would have to figure out a way to get out of here fast!

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