The monitor went dark.
For several seconds, no one in the room spoke.
The gloved man remained seated, his fingers resting lightly on the desk.
Behind him, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the Austin skyline.
It was an expensive office.
Elegant.
Minimalist.
The kind of place that belonged to someone powerful enough never to raise their voice.
The woman from the black SUV stood near the door.
“You promised me they would never know I was watching.”
The man didn’t turn around.
“They don’t.”
“They will.”
“They’re smarter than we expected.”
He picked up a crystal glass of water.
“They’ve already found Michael’s recording.”
“And Gabriel’s name.”
The woman lowered her eyes.
“I told you we should have destroyed those files years ago.”
He smiled faintly.
“No.”
“They were mean
