Sebastian’s POV
I stand in my study, phone pressed to my ear, listening to the hollow repetition of a disconnected line. My jaw tightens. I pull the phone away, staring at the screen. No answer. I try again. Same thing. That makes three contacts unreachable in less than forty-eight hours.
Not coincidence. Never coincidence. I lower the phone slowly.
“Owen.”
He appears almost instantly, like he’s been waiting just outside the door.
“Yes, sir.”
I don't turn around.
“Have you heard from Ricci?”
Owen hesitates. A mistake. I notice everything.
“No, sir.”
A beat of silence.
“And Valente?”
Another pause.
“Not since yesterday morning.”
I finally turn. Slowly.
“Yesterday morning,” I repeat.
Owen nods.
“Yes.” I study him for a long moment. Then walk past him without another word.
—
