The Ninth Rule

One night, from 11:07 p.m. to shortly after 3:33 a.m.

On Odessa’s third night at the Nightjar, a ninth rule appears: she must give the Counterman the true number when he asks who is keeping count. After surviving the darkened lot and hearing voices imitate Roy and Femmie, Odessa lies that there are eight rules—but the Counterman’s smile and the pouring coffee suggest the lie has changed something.