Chapter Three: The Second Person Who Doesn't Exist

Lu knew the eyes of liars and lenders. The red-umbrella woman's eyes were different. They were calculating how to kill him. “Wen Xia.” A blade slid from an umbrella rib to his throat. “The film.” “Blank,” he replied, hands raised. “That's my name. As for the film, say please.” An alarm sounded. The steel door locked, and sprinklers released white gas. Ma's voice filled the warehouse. “Mr. Zhou wants both guests and the film.” Wen turned her blade on the lock. Lu filmed it; on-screen, the gas became seaside mist, the lock a hand peeling an orange. “Your replacements are random?” she asked. “For now.” “Then you're only half Unseen.” She pulled off his mask and wiped blood beneath his nose. “Forcing cameras to lie burns short-term memory first.