Chapter 7: Ephraim
Contains spoilersOverview
Ephraim concludes the heist by delivering the stolen razor to Oslo, who pays him and abruptly ends their business relationship. Numb on a painful date, Ephraim later disburses shares to Volga, Cyra, and Dano, but admits there is no next job. The entrance of swaggering Gold youths escalates tension and underscores his isolation.
Summary
On the morning after the museum heist, Ephraim drinks while a White agent, Oslo, meticulously inspects the stolen razor in a lavish Luna penthouse. Oslo confirms the item, transfers payment, then informs Ephraim their arrangement is over, offering only a cryptic warning about curiosity before departing with the blade.
Alone, Ephraim broods over the city and the painful date, dosing zoladone and vodka. After a nap and noodles, he seeks distraction by meeting his crew to distribute the take.
At a trendy dirigible bar, Volga, Cyra, and Dano wait amid midColor elites. Ephraim transfers six hundred to each and rebuffs Dano’s push for a bonus and Cyra’s plea for the next job, admitting there will be no more work from their patron. Friction simmers as the crew’s financial uncertainty becomes clear.
Two Gold youths enter, one marked with an Arcos griffin, and immediately lay claim to the Pink Dano had been eyeing. Ephraim’s hand drifts to his pistol, resentment flaring at Aureate entitlement. Volga urges him to stay and be among friends, but Ephraim rejects the moment and exits, leaving to the sound of the Golds’ laughter.
Who Appears
- Ephraim Horn
Gray thief; delivers the razor, gets paid then dropped, pays his crew, refuses future jobs, leaves tense bar.
- Oslo
Meticulous White intermediary; verifies the razor, transfers payment, ends the partnership with an ominous remark.
- Volga
Obsidian crew member; tries to befriend Ephraim, declines a bonus, asks him to stay for a drink.
- Cyra
Crew member; chose the trendy bar, argues with Dano, anxiously asks about the next job, receives her share.
- Dano
Crew member; pushes for a bonus, fixates on a Pink, backs down when Golds intrude.
- Gold youth (Arcos pin)
Entitled Gold; targets a Pink at the bar, his presence triggers Ephraim’s exit.
- Pink at bar
Attractive worker; subject of Dano’s attention and then the Gold youth’s advances, heightening tension.