68. The trip uptown.

Sid walked down the stairs to the subway, the young man trailing after him.

"I'm Max," the young man said.

Nearing the turnstiles, Sid turned to look at the booth attendant, a tired-looking woman in a blue uniform. She pressed a button, and a black metal grate clicked. Sid opened the grate and entered the subway. Max, baffled, followed him.

The uptown subway was just entering the station. Sid didn't quicken his pace. By the time they got to the platform, the doors of the train were just opening.

The train was nearly empty. Sid selected a seat, and sat down. Max sat across from him. The train rocked gently as it hurtled uptown.