The leader of the armed men was just an inch away from where Ethan was hiding, his boots crunching against the shattered glass on the floor.
Ethan held his breath, his muscles tense as he prepared for the worst.
The man raised his weapon, scanning the corner. The moment felt like it stretched on forever, the muffled whispers of the other men filling the air like a storm about to break.
Then, the leader's phone buzzed sharply, breaking the silence. He stiffened, glanced down at the device clipped to his belt, and picked it up.
"Yes, ma'am," he answered with surprising respect, his voice low and deferential.
Ethan's sharp ears caught the faint voice on the other end of the line, though he couldn't make out the words.
The leader listened intently, nodding occasionally as though the person could see him. After a few seconds, his stance shifted.
"Understood ma'am," he said finally, with a bow.
