Survive the Night: A Novel

Now uncertain about who Josh is, Charlie wonders why Josh would have a fake ID card despite being of drinking age. While Josh puts on a Nirvana cassette tape, Charlie tries to think of a way to learn Josh’s true identity. She cannot inspect his wallet and car registration with him so close. She therefore asks him questions about himself, hoping he’ll give an answer that contradicts the information he gave previously. He reveals his last name is Baxter. Charlie tells him her last name is Jordan. Charlie then asks him if he grew up in Akron, and he says that he grew up in Toledo and it is his aunt who lives in Akron. He mentions his father’s poor health again, which Charlie perceives to be genuine. This detail makes her feel guilty for being so suspicious of him. She then brings up his janitorial job at Olyphant, asking what his favorite building is. After telling him her favorite is Madison Hall, he asks her about a feature of the building, which she describes. He replies that he also likes that building. Charlie then says that there is no Madison Hall, saying she was joking. Josh laughs, claiming he knew all along, as he never heard of Madison Hall.