Chapter 2: The Voice on the Phone
The elevator doors had barely closed before the director moved.
"Lock down the garage.
Every exit.
Now."
The tactical team scattered without a word.
Cole stood frozen, the badge wallet still open in his trembling hand, suddenly the smallest man in the room.
Marcus hadn't moved.
He was pressed against the SUV, cradling his swollen wrist, eyes fixed on his father.
"Dad, I can explain—"
"Not here." His father's voice was low.
Final.
One of the tactical agents jogged back, earpiece pressed tight.
He leaned in and said three words.
The director's jaw locked.
He turned slowly and looked at Marcus — not with anger, but with something far worse.
Recognition.
"You knew someone was going to take it." It wasn't a question.
Marcus looked down at the concrete.
"I didn't think they'd actually—"
"Who did you tell, Marcus?"
The boy's silence lasted exactly one second too long.
From somewhere above them, a phone rang inside the empty SUV.
One of the agents reached in and held it up.
Unknown number.
Already connected.
And from the speaker, barely above a whisper, came a voice Marcus clearly recognized.
May you like
His face went white.
😰
