Page 74 of Ideal Lost, Part One: The Shrikes

Jun thought Taipei’s modern mansions were huge, but after seeing what Hollywood had, they were like toy models in comparison.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?”

Jun blinked, turning to face the masked man’s dark eyes. Jun glanced at the furthest room cantilevered out over the hillside, suspended against the night sky. “It’s amazing.”

The masked man chuckled, leaning back into the headrest, his broad shoulders relaxing. “Maybe I can show you around one day. After my friend left for Italy, I got the whole house to myself.”

Jun nodded slowly, unsure how to respond to that unwarranted invitation, and realized this house probably wasn’t his.

“So Connor.”

Jun flinched when the masked man’s large hand slapped him on his shoulder.

“Keep the Vanquish. Make sure to keep it as clean as possible.”

Jun’s eyes widened. “Uh—”

The masked man put one finger inches away from his lips. “Up until tomorrow night. Until then, you let me know what you decide.”

“Tomorrow night?” Jun repeated slowly, trying to solidify the deadline in his bones.

The masked man rummaged through his pockets before pressing something into Jun’s hand. Jun curled his fingers around the small card and held it up to the light.

“That’s my card,” said the masked man. He opened the passenger door, then paused. He held up his phone—the latest iPhone—and gave it a small wave. “Remember, if I don’t hear from you, everyone will know you stole my car.” His eyes smiled. It unnerved Jun that he couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

He gave him a wink. “I’ll see you soon. One way or another.”

The man stepped out and headed for the entrance, waving without looking back. The heavy doors swallowed him. Jun glanced at the card. He tilted the card into the sliver of light from the gate. Silver letters flashed across the black surface:

Covey Lakeridge. Host of The Covey Lakeridge Show.

Shrikes

Robin: guys

Robin: where’s @Connor