Connection: Chapter 12

The problem-solving value of sleep is underappreciated. The beneficiary of slumber is not the body, but the brain. While the organs hum along on cruise control, the brain consolidates, reviews and analyzes the streams of information gathered during the waking hours. When Robert took his first step of the day, his mind had already made great cognitive leaps.

His investigation the previous night had established means, motive and opportunity. The television cop triple threat. But for any event, there is time and place. The place was obvious. It was where he lived. He now considered the timing of the attack. Why yesterday? Once he figured it out, the solution presented itself. The irony did not escape Robert. The attempt to keep him away was the catalyst that would send him there.

It took about two hours to bring Li up to speed, throw his clothes in the washer and dryer, grab some food, and enjoy a long soothing bath. Li directed the mixture of oils and soap from outside the bathroom. He imagined her nubile form submerged in the water. It was enough to make him forget about clan Kapitol and Fatality. They spent the afternoon refining the plan and flirting.

In the evening, they drove to the quiet downtown square and purchased round-trip tickets, then went into the local costume shop. Robert put their purchases on his credit card. Li neatly packed the items in a shoulder bag along with her toiletries. They split to get food and magazines for the journey, then met for a final check. The lime-green Beetle was left at the bus terminal the next morning.