Chapter 15 Summary

Richard is surprised to learn that Down Street is a house. After descending a long series of stairs, they take an elevator down. When the doors open, the car seems to hang in open space, with just a narrow ledge beneath it. The expanse beyond is a tremendous gorge carved into solid rock, with a narrow path spiraling downward around its circumference. A plank extends from the elevator to the cliff-side path.

Most everyone crosses the span without incident. Richard, however, paralyzed by fear, clings to the plank on all fours, unable to move. Hunter walks out on the span, gently coaxing Richard to inch his way along. In moments, Richard is safe on the opposite side, relieved.

Richard and Lamia talk and flirt as Door and Hunter disappear along the grade. Lamia kisses Richard, draining heat from his body. Seeing that Lamia...