Epilogue

He didn't stop running until he was sure no one was following him anymore. He had zig-zagged through the woods so much, even he almost lost his way. As soon as he didn't hear footsteps trailing his, he slowed down to a jog, but didn't slow down further until he reached his apartment. He slammed the door behind him and ripped off his hoodie with a frustrated scream. Those secret service agents almost ruined everything.

He was barely in the door a full minute before his phone rang. Somehow she always knew. He picked up the phone, but didn't bother uttering a greeting.

"You let them get the mask."

His voice came out as a growl. "I didn't let them do anything."

"You failed."

"I don't think it was a complete failure," he said, trying to match her even tone. "They could still think they didn't really see Alison, they could think that was the mask, too."

"Yes, you did buy us some time."

"I planted the seed of doubt. That's all you wanted." He tried to keep his voice from sounding as defensive as he felt.

"I also wanted that mask for use in the future."

He held his tongue. He had plenty of thoughts on what he could say, but he decided he was in enough trouble as it was. He shifted the weight on his feet and switched the phone from one ear to the other.

"You just better hope they didn't see your eye."

He ran through his encounters in his head. It's possible Emily noticed this morning, but he wasn't even sure of that. "I don't think they did."

"I hope you're right. Now, get to work," she said, her voice dripping with mischief. "You need to show your face."

He hung up the phone without saying goodbye and immediately dialed another number. The secretary picked up.

"Hi," he said, using his sweetest tone, "I was just calling to say I might be running a little late. I was hoping someone could cover for me for an hour, tops."

"Sure thing," the secretary answered. "Just tell me who's calling, dear."

"It's Ezra. Ezra Fitz."