Somebody in the beam of light emanating from screens, leaning back in a chair—eyes glittering under reduced illumination. The message that has been sent to Ash still sits on one of the screens, stamped, detailed.
Scarlet is in front of the room, arms across chest, a silent presence.
But she wasn't the sender.
The fellow on the keys at the rear of the room raises a hand and says softly into a headset:
"He won't speak a word. Ash is faithful—but afraid. That fear will accomplish more than any deception ever could."
There is a tiny screen showing quiet video of Kai laughing with East and Mick—just back, oblivious. There is another screen—Noah, walking by himself in a corridor, his coat buttoned up tight like armor.
The man smiles.
Mr. Baek.
Still manipulating strings. Still arranging shadows.
Scarlet finally speaks up. "You promised to let Kai go."
Baek swivels his chair toward her. "I did. Physically."
A beat. His eyes constrict.
"But I never said anything about his mind."
