Ethan woke to the sound of his phone ringing.
He reached for it. Unknown number. His heart pounded.
"Hello?"
"Ethan Cole. I know where Marcus Webb is."
The voice was familiar. Female. Calm.
"Who is this?"
"Dr. Elara Vance. I used to work with Marcus. I know his plans. Meet me at the coordinates I'm sending you. Come alone. I'll explain everything."
The line went dead.
Ethan stared at the phone. Dr. Elara Vance. The name was familiar. He'd seen it in Marcus's files. A researcher. Former colleague.
Was this a trap? Another manipulation?
He didn't know. But he had to find out.
---
Nora was awake. Sitting up in bed. Her eyes were brown. Her face was calm.
"Who was that?"
"Someone named Dr. Elara Vance. She says she knows where Marcus is."
"Can you trust her?"
"I don't know. But
