Roman was waiting in the front hall when the security SUV brought me back. He did not ask how the press briefing went. He looked at Marco. "What happened to the car?"

"No device found. No explosive. No tracker."

"Then why was it open?"

"We're still checking."

Roman'

Elena's meeting happened at ten the next morning. Roman did not cancel it. He also did not sit in. Progress. She brought updated Harborview records and one piece of good news. "Your suspension is temporary pending review," she said. "Not termination."

"That cou

Cole emailed me at 2:17 that afternoon. I knew the address before I opened it. I had kept email unblocked because my lawyer told me written threats were evidence. For eight weeks, Cole had mostly sent anger. You ruined everything. Call me. You owe me an explanation.

Th