Evening came and with it tension as Matteo walked down the hallway, his steps calm, measured but there was something beneath it, something sharper, the guard straightened immediately "Sir." Matteo didn't stop until he stood directly in front of the door "Open it."
A pause "Sir… I've been instructed not to let anyone in." Silence, Matteo turned his head slowly "…What?" the guard held his ground though barely as he was scared of direct confrontation from his boss "Mrs. Romano gave an order, sir."
The air changed completely "Move.""I'm sorry, sir. I can't." That was it, that was the line, Matteo stepped closer, now there was no distance between them, no buffer just pressure, cold and heavy "You're refusing me?" he asked quietly.
The guard swallowed "Yes, sir." a beat. Then "You're
