Roman's command room had no dramatic map covered in red pins. It had a table, six chairs, three locked screens, and men who stopped talking when I walked in. I preferred the map. At least maps did not look offended by my existence.

Roman pulled out the chair beside him

Elena found the engagement announcement at 9:14 the next morning. I was eating cereal in Roman's kitchen when she sent it. Six months old. One photograph. One paragraph.

Bianca Vale stood under white flowers in a pale gold dress, smiling at Cole Mercer while he held a

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'