He raised his hand toward Salin's face. But before he could touch him, a voice echoed down the hallway. Sharp. Steady.
— Has anyone laid a hand on him?
It was Natali.
The door slammed open. She entered without asking.
— I said: has anyone touched him?
The men froze. The shaved one backed away, raising his hands like he was innocent.
— We were just watching...
— Idiots. — she snapped, eyes blazing. — That's not what Colen ordered. If he checks the camera replay and sees one of you standing still while the other plays around, you're dead.
She stepped up to Salin, stopping right in front of him. Her expression was unreadable.
— Ten minutes. With me. Alone. Door locked. — she commanded.
The men hesitated. One glanced at the other.
— NOW. — she growled.
They left. The door slammed shut. Natali turned the key and faced Salin, taking a deep breath.
For a second, silence returned.
She crouched and whispered fast:
