They strolled up the hill, further away from the crowd. The concert was nearing its end with fireworks, each one out-blooming the previous ones.

"That went well," she said.

"Did it?" asked Alberto. "As far as interviews go, that was the shortest one I've been through."

"You didn't have to say much," said Rosario. "John knows a good talent when he sees one."

"So you think there's a place for me in the Zephyr?"

"Absolutely, I have faith in you. One day you'll shake heaven and earth, and you'll bring all of us to great places."

"How can you be so sure?" asked Alberto. "You barely know me."

"Remember earlier today when I said I did my homework?" asked Rosario.

"Yes. I got spooked, you know. Thought you were a stalker, holding a kitchen knife."

She chuckled, and it made him feel important, made him feel the world should cease at this instant to witness the historical moment. With a movement that felt natural, Rosario leaned against Alberto. The personal boundaries that stood between them unapologetically fizzled.

"When I first learned about you on the Deep Web," she said, "I knew you were special. Those stories they told about you, it was as if the world lost a hero after you went to prison."

Moved, Alberto said with hesitance, "I'm really just a nobody, Rose."

"I beg to differ," she insisted. "The fire that used to drive you, it's still inside you. And whatever future you want to fight for, I'll discover it with you."

That was the point when Alberto, whether deliberate or unintentional, forgot his vow to live in obscurity and the price he paid for old stupidity. The Zephyr was a convenient illusion he bought into, so he could rely on the nearest hope and salvation. Thanks to Rosario, he was brought back to the shadow world he once intimately knew.

Back at the campfire. The followers of John Burke reconvened and formed a line to welcome their new brother. One by one they embraced Alberto, and together, they permanently paired mobile devices to symbolize a lasting bond.

New life. Alberto became a Zephyr member. They jammed the Five Eyes drone and left Bethel after the festive night. Minivans and pickup trucks formed a convoy, pushing the interstate darkness with high-beam headlights.

The brothers sang in the car, and Alberto clapped along. So much laughter, life on the road sure had its own glamour. But joy was a drink, and he intended to stay sober. It was only when dawn came to bathe Rosario through the car window, that he found meaning through the newly won consolation.