Two Days Later

  The office was a fortress of silence, the kind that pressed against Seven’s eardrums like a weight. The only sound was the rhythmic tapping of his fingers on the keyboard, each keystroke a deliberate step in the intricate dance he was choreographing. The screen before him was a mosaic of code—layers upon layers of encryption, obfuscation, and hidden pathways. Every line was a calculated move in this high-stakes game, and he was acutely aware that one misstep could unravel everything.

  He rolled his neck and shoulders, easing the slight strain on his trapezius muscles. The next check-in was imminent, and he had to ensure everything was flawless. The risks were higher now. Talon Cloche wasn’t just a man; he was a force of nature, and Seven had to stay one step ahead.

  A sharp knock broke the stillness. Seven glanced at the clock: 3:00 p.m., right on time.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  The door swung open, and Talon Cloche stepped in, flanked by Blazer and Moros. The two tech specialists carried the same air of scrutiny as before, their attention sweeping the workspace like predators assessing their prey. Seven discreetly activated the in-room surveillance recording before leaning back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

  Talon didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Is it up?” he demanded. There was an edge to his words, a subtle threat that hung in the air. “Let’s see it.”

  Seven exhaled and reactivated the display...

  This is a snippet of the chapter. To see what happens next and unravel the mystery, you can:

  ? Purchase chapter bundles on my Patreon:

  ? Get the complete book on my reading platform: