Chapter 141

The call came just after sunrise.

Not urgent in tone.

But heavy in timing.

Daniel’s mother.

He answered in the kitchen while the coffee brewed, voice still rough with sleep.

She watched his expression change from neutral to focused—then to something quieter.

Concern.

“Okay,” he said slowly. “When?”

A pause.

“I’ll be there this afternoon.”

He ended the call and stood still for a moment.

She waited.

“What happened?” she asked gently.

He ran a hand ...