Thomas notices two mazes on the map, but can’t tell which one Chancellor Paige directed him to. Either way, he is going back to where it all began. He follows the map to a ladder that he climbs to find himself outside the WICKED headquarters. He moves toward some outlying buildings, hoping to find the attack party. Soon, he reaches a building and hears voices. Someone grabs him from behind. When he is able to see his attackers, he does not recognize one of them but the other is the Rat Man.

Janson pulls a knife and says, “Let me tell you something, kid. I’ve never thought of myself as a violent man, but you and your friends sure have driven me to the brink. My patience is stretched to a minimum, but I’m going to show restraint. Unlike you, I think about more than myself. I’m working to save people, and I will finish this project” (274). Thomas gets an opportunity to attack and kicks the Rat Man and wrestles with the other man. He gets the knife and demands they let him go.

Remembering how Gally threw the knife so long ago, Thomas chucks it at Janson.