Chapter Two: The Dead Man's Wheel

Tang Li slipped into the passenger seat while the crew fitted a nitrous system. “Did you bring something back?” she whispered. Lu Xiao watched her. “Your right mirror broke last time. I don't remember a last time, but my inspection sheet carries the pressure mark where I wrote it. The paper resets. The impressions don't.” She passed him a thin sheet. Twelve groups of tally marks dented one corner. “You've been through twelve loops?” “Not me.” Tang Li glanced toward Shen Mo. “The movie.” The signal sounded. Tang Li jumped out. Lu Xiao bit down on the button and accelerated onto the expressway. Rain began at kilometer seven. The forecast had promised clear skies, yet every drop fell from the same invisible line.