Jack stood behind the motel, burner phone to his ear.
Kyle's voice came in low. “You shouldn't have called."
“I didn't have anyone else," Jack muttered. “Lana found me."
“I know. She texted me after."
Jack's jaw clenched. “She say anything else?"
Kyle hesitated. “She's scared. Thinks you've lost it."
“Am I the father?"
A pause. Then: “Paternity test would help. Quiet clinic, no questions asked."
Jack exhaled. “You believe her?"
“I believe the timeline."
“You believe *me*?"
“I want to. But you're running with a woman whose face is on federal databases."
“She's not what they say."
“She drugged you, Jack."
Jack said nothing.
Kyle's voice lowered. “Look—if you need a safe house, I can—"
Jack ended the call.
Vesper was waiting by the motel door, arms folded, holding a flash dri
