The morning sun was warm on Ethan's face.
He stood on the balcony of his apartment, looking out at the city below. Seattle was waking up, the streets filling with cars and people. The sky was clear, the air fresh. It was a beautiful day. The kind of day that made you believe in new beginnings.
But Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest. Anna Volkov was out there. Marcus Webb was in prison. They were both playing a game. And Ethan was caught in the middle.
Ava walked out onto the balcony. She was holding two cups of coffee. She handed one to him and stood beside him.
"You're up early," she said.
"I couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Anna and Marcus. About what they're planning."
Ava nodded. "I've been thinking abou
