Mason’s men were also placed under confinement.

All electronic devices were confiscated—no phones, no laptops, not even a television. The windows were reinforced, and patrols were conducted daily.

Both the front entrance and the backyard were heavily guarded, leaving no possible escape route.

Lying on the bed with one arm resting under his head, Mason stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Irene had tried to use this opportunity to ...