La Scala
The Last Call
Who knew that the future will come so soon?
From BMW advertising
Prologue
A large black car stopped. Samuel Epstein opened the back door and groaned as he stepped out onto the sidewalk.
"Professor, let me help you?" The driver turned around from his seat.
"No, no, thank you. Do not worry, Edward. I'll go to the store for bread, and then I'm almost at home."
"Well, as you say. As usual, I'll pick you up tomorrow at eight, will I?"
"Yes."
"Professor! You forgot your bag!" The driver reached for the seat and handed the passenger a laptop bag.
"Oh, memory like a sieve! Thank you, Edward!"
The toned sedan blinked with a turn signal and smoothly sailed off the sidewalk, merging into the stream of cars that streamed along the night street. The professor hung a bag on his shoulder and went into a small 24-hour shop.
A few minutes later he came out, holding a paper bag to his chest. From package protruded a long loaf. The professor walked along the building, then stepped into a poorly lit archway that led from the street to the courtyard.
An uncertain shadow flew from the wall, and then the world around the professor finally faded.
"Grab the bag!"
"Check his pockets!"
"Cards, keys..."
"C’mon, run!"