Gerald made a sound that was not a specific word.
Big G looked at Mike for another moment.
"Nothing," he said again. "Go inside."
Mike held Big G's gaze for exactly one beat longer than the situation called for. Not a challenge, just enough to establish that he was not moving from fear, which was the distinction that mattered in this particular dynamic.
Then he turned and went through the door.
He allowed the door to close until there was a small crack.
Inside the fire exit corridor, he waited for fifteen seconds, listening to the rhythm of footsteps and voices in the alley, confirming the configuration. Big G had dismissed the interruption.
The conversation had returned to whatever its conclusion was going to be.
Mike pushed off the wall.
