Shadows in the night
Anita sat in her car, parked just outside Ethan's apartment, the faint glow from the dashboard illuminating her expressionless face. Her fingers moved with precision as she dialed a secure number, her voice unwavering when the call connected.
"Hold off on Emily for now," she instructed, her tone crisp and commanding. After a brief pause, she added, her words sharp with calculated intent, "The operation was carried out without fail, I assume, following James's elimination?"
The response from the other end confirmed the operation's success.
Without hesitation, Anita placed another call—this one to a tech expert versed in surveillance protocols.
"I need a tap on Ethan's phone. Monitor all communications," she ordered. "Also, assign a field agent to tail him quietly. I want every detail of his movements tracked."
The specialist acknowledged the directive, outlining a plan that would combine high-tech monitoring with discreet physical surveillance, ensuring no part of Ethan's life would remain hidden.
With the arrangements in motion, Anita ended the call, her expression impassive as she composed herself for what was next. She took a deep breath before stepping on the gas and flooring it out of there.
Inside, Ethan sat with his mind in turmoil, the private investigator's call having just ended. He stared out the window, the night outside a mirror to his internal confusion. The decision to meet with the investigator tomorrow had been a heavy one, but it felt unavoidable.
James's sudden death left too many loose ends, and the disappearance of the black book added layers of complexity that Ethan couldn't ignore. He knew he had to move carefully, uncovering whatever was hidden beneath the surface, and yet, the unease gnawing at him felt like a warning.
He watched as Anita's car pulled away from the building, her presence still lingering in his mind. She had been so sure, so calculated in her actions.
Ethan sank into a chair, the weight of everything pressing in on him. Tomorrow was crucial. He had to gather himself, review every detail, and make sure he hadn't missed something vital—something that could hold the key to unraveling the chaos now unfolding. For some reason the ring on my neck gives me comfort and hope.