“Why is everything grey?”

“It helps him focus.”

They were in a small sitting room. Everything was indeed various shades of grey. An old, yet somehow ageless, man was led into the room by an assistant. The assistant brought him to an armchair facing the two men and then departed.

“How are you today, Tiberius? This is my new associate, Sam Proctor. We were hoping to ask you some questions. Do you feel up to it?”

The old man, Tiberius, smiled at him.

Sam looked at his partner. “What’s wrong with him?”

“Quiet. Let me talk.”

“They are coming, John. You should be ready.”

Sam was clearly confused but stayed silent.

“Tiberius, I’m not John. I’m Christopher. Do you remember me?”

Tiberius stared at him. “Oh yes! Of course. My apologies. I am expecting John later. Mustn’t forget his message.”

Christopher nodded encouragement. “Good. Good. Do you have any messages for me?”

Tiberius smiled. “That depends on your questions. Ask.”

“We are looking for someone. He’s…”

“Yes. You will find him this evening. Downtown. The library. Be careful. He will be armed. There is a good probability of someone being shot.”

“Who?”

“Impossible to be certain. That’s why I told you to be careful.”

“Do you know his name?”

“Indeed. But it would be best if I did not tell you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very.”

“Okay. Anything else you can tell me?”

“If you have other questions.”

“Okay. Well, thank you for your time. We’ll see ourselves out.”

Tiberius nodded. “Good luck.”

They left to go to the library.

* * * *

“Thank you for seeing me, Tiberius.”

The old man smiled.

“I’ve got a problem. A couple of men are chasing me.”

Tiberius pressed a button, and a few moments later his assistant entered.

“They are coming, John. You should be ready.”

His assistant handed John a gun.

“They will find you this evening at the library.”

John took the gun and stood to leave. “Thank you, Tiberius.”

“Good luck.”