The Illegal

Keita arrives at the Clarkson library, hoping to use a computer to check his email. He meets a man named Vander Vann, an aspiring novelist who tells him about Ivernia Beech, a “friend of the people” who will help him get a library card (228). Keita speaks with her, and she remembers that he is the very same runner who came to her aid after her car accident. Once she helps him obtain a library card, he is able to check his email, where he finds messages from both John and Viola asking for interviews. He also receives an email from Mitch Hitchcock, the Buttersby Marathon organizer, asking if Keita would like to join his Freedom State Olympic Marathon Team. Next is a threatening message from Anton Hamm, and finally a message from George Maxwell about the impending ransom deadline for Charity’s life. After reading these emails, Keita is suddenly overtaken by nausea and passes out, hitting his head as he falls to the floor. He comes to in the library’s first-aid room, where Ivernia is taking care of him. Ivernia is so concerned that she invites him over for tea and even offers to let him stay with her.