Chapter 118. Interrupt Politely

The first truth the audit discovered was how much sound exists between two clasped hands. The second was how quickly a city learns to be bored by tricks if someone teaches it to love furniture.

The leader tried tone again, because men try tone again when they mistake persistence for invention. Air softened to a polite suede. Every sharp edge in the square looked like it wanted to be applauded. The ward-stones rolled their weight from foot to foot and made a low commentary that suggested those who worship smooth edges have never had to sand.

“Pairs,” Jules said for the third time, and the line answered with the troublesome frankness of a choir that no longer needs a conductor. The hinge leaned, delighted to be disobedient in a way that harmed no one. The bench settled. The null sang exactly one note, and the note said ‘not today’ without becoming dramatic.

“Ledger,” Aria said, and the well obliged: ATTEMPT: TONE—DENIED. CREDIT: PAIRS (MULTIPLE).

The leader kep