"Commander Drake sends his regards, Mr. Vance. And he wants to make sure Vesper burns to the ground before the sun reaches the horizon."
The police captain leveled his heavy pressurized pistol directly at Rafael's heart. The red digital timer on the structural pillar behind the marble bar flickered relentlessly, counting down thirty-eight seconds.
Rafael did not reach for his holster, nor did his pulse accelerate. He stood behind the polished mahogany counter, his silver-gray eyes fixing on the captain with absolute, unbothered composure.
"A police captain acting as a common arsonist," Rafael said smoothly, his voice a low, soothing baritone. "Drake must be growing remarkably desperate if he sends high-ranking officers to perform dirty work."
"This is not dirty work, Vance," the c
