"They have no office," said the deputy director, ushering Gregory to the door and handing him his bowler. "They are outside, holding the stakes."
Gregory stumbled down the stairs, the laughter of the guard and deputy director ringing in his ears. Outside, barefoot children mocked him. "Tier Two, Tier Two!" they jeered. A pair of impassive, shirtsleeved men Gregory recognized from the balcony approached with sharp, pointed sticks. Each took him by one arm. "Who are you?" asked Gregory. "We are the stakeholders," said one. "But where are we going?" asked Gregory. "To toast marshmallows," said the other.
"And you, Dr. Gregory Samplingerror," said the other, "are the marshmallow."