It started with a stare.

Mr. Charlie hadn’t said a word during breakfast, but his eyes had been tracking Jack like a hawk, quiet, calculating, and cold. The kind of look he gave enemies across the table right before pulling the trigger. His silence was heavier than words. His fork clinked against the plate like distant thunder.

Jack noticed.

So did Rin.

There was no open confrontation. Just coffee poured a little too slowly. Just toast left untouched. Just Charlie’s eyes watching every ...