19. Hypermart

Bobby meets Lucas outside an old Madison Avenue department store. Lucas warns Jackie to guard Bobby and demonstrates a concealed weapon in his cane before departing in his car, signaling lingering street instincts beneath his lawyer exterior. Jackie takes charge and leads Bobby into Hypermart.

Inside the fourteen-floor market, Jackie explains its maze-like layout and community vigilance, making it an ideal hideout. They pause at a coffee booth, observing the eclectic, improvised environment while Jackie assures Bobby that Jammer’s top-floor club is secure and that Beauvoir will likely meet them later after Lucas briefs him.

At Jackie’s prompting, Bobby calmly recounts his visit to the Finn: the three dead “ninjas,” and mention of Wigan Ludgate. Jackie probes for details and notes Jammer knew of Ludgate, but withholds deeper conclusions, calling the account interesting.

Feeling diminished and uncomfortable in his borrowed clothes, Bobby demands new ones. Jackie deflects the cost to Lucas and points him to Lin, a friend who runs a clothing stall. Bobby chooses a sharper, blacked-out look, embracing the “Count” persona despite Jackie’s teasing skepticism.

With plans set, Jackie promises Bobby a couch at Jammer’s club upstairs, emphasizing discretion and the need to listen and learn in Hypermart while they wait for Beauvoir and the next move.