INICIAR SESIÓNThe first thing Marcus heard was a steady electronic sound. It took him several moments to understand that he was in a hospital. His eyelids felt heavy, and his body seemed reluctant to respond when he tried to move. "Easy, Mr. Webb." A doctor stood beside his bed, checking the monitor before looking at him. "Can you hear me?" Marcus managed a faint nod. "Good. You've been unconscious for some time. Don't try to sit up yet." He swallowed, his throat dry. "Where..." "You're in the hospital. You're safe." Marcus closed his eyes briefly, trying to remember what had happened. The meeting with Andrew came back in fragments, followed by the strange feeling that had overcome him after leaving. Then he remembered the attack. "Andrew," he whispered. The doctor glanced towards the nurse. "Let's get you comfortable first. Your visitors will be here shortly." Alexander was standing outside the doctor's office when Nathan approached. "He's awake?" "Yes," the doctor replied, closing
Alexander arrived home later than he had promised. He found Regina in the glass garden room at the back of the house, standing beside a long marble table covered with freshly cut flowers. A pair of gardening scissors rested in her hand as she carefully trimmed the stems of white roses and pale pink peonies before arranging them in a tall crystal vase. The late evening light filtered through the glass panels, settling softly over the flowers and the loose strands of hair framing her face. She was so absorbed in what she was doing that she didn't notice him immediately. Then she sensed someone watching her. She glanced over her shoulder. "You scared me." "Sorry baby, I just couldn't resist your pulchritude, especially around flowers." She blushed as she returned her attention to the flowers, adjusting one of the roses. "The flowers in this house deserve better arrangements." Alexander approached and hugged her from behind. He looked at the vase. "I see." A faint smile crossed h
The ambulance arrived within minutes. The medical team took over as soon as they reached Marcus. He was unconscious, and his condition required urgent assessment. After checking him, they transferred him into the ambulance, secured him for the journey and closed the doors. One of Alexander's security men followed in another vehicle, while Nathan remained on the phone, keeping Alexander updated. By the time Alexander arrived at the hospital, the medical team had already taken Marcus into treatment. He stepped through the entrance with his phone in one hand, his expression tense as he searched the reception area. Nathan was waiting near the desk, still holding his laptop. "Where is he?" "Inside. They're assessing him." Alexander looked toward the corridor. "Have they said anything?" "Not yet. They brought him straight in after the ambulance arrived." Alexander glanced at Nathan's laptop. "Did you secure everything?" "Both recordings are safe. I've sent copies to Claire, and th
Marcus checked his reflection one last time before leaving. He was dressed entirely in black, from the fitted high-collar top to the reinforced trousers and sturdy boots. The fabric had a subtle, textured finish, almost like expensive technical taffeta, giving the outfit a sleek, uniform appearance. Black gloves completed the look, while the protective equipment incorporated beneath the outfit gave him coverage beyond an ordinary jacket or vest. Alexander's security team had arranged the clothing specifically for the meeting. It was designed to offer fictional full-body protection, although Marcus knew that no protection could make him completely invulnerable. He adjusted the wristwatch on his left hand. It looked ordinary, but it had been prepared to transmit and preserve audio from the meeting. Alexander and Nathan would be listening from their security room, and the recording would be retained as evidence. His phone vibrated. Nathan: We're ready. The watch is connected. Alexand
Three days had passed since Andrew Kingston commissioned the investigation, and his patience had begun to wear thin. He had received two brief updates from the investigator, neither of which contained enough information to satisfy him. The first concerned Victor Moretti and Evelyn Laurent, whose names had begun appearing in connection with the prosecution's ongoing enquiries. The second concerned several former Kingston business locations where enquiries had been made about old company records. At precisely eleven in the morning, his private office door opened. The investigator entered carrying a slim leather folder. He was a middle-aged man with a composed expression, the sort of person who preferred to establish what he could prove before offering an opinion. "Mr Kingston." Andrew gestured towards the chair opposite his desk. "I hope you have something more substantial than another progress report." "I believe I do." The investigator sat down and placed the folder between them.
Andrew Kingston had read Marcus's latest report three times, and each reading left him more dissatisfied than the last. He placed the papers on his desk and leaned back in his chair. For weeks, Marcus had assured him that the situation remained under control. Yet the old properties were suddenly receiving enquiries from investigators, former business records had become relevant to an active prosecution, and Claire Bennett appeared to be gathering information faster than he could account for.He picked up his phone and called Marcus."Good morning, sir," Marcus answered."How much progress have you made with Victor?""He's still cooperating with the prosecution. I haven't observed anything beyond what I reported yesterday.""And Evelyn?""Her position appears unchanged."Andrew tapped his finger against the desk."You're certain there's nothing else?""Nothing I can confirm, sir."Andrew's eyes narrowed slightly."That is becoming a familiar answer."There was a pause."Would you like







