The elevator doors opened to the private floor of Wills Tower.

Carson stepped out first, phone in hand, his voice clipped as he issued orders to his head of security. The night before had left too many questions and not enough silence to bury them.

Justina followed a few paces behind, her gaze fixed on the floor-to-ceiling windows where dawn glowed against the city like new metal. Every sound felt distant, every breath too loud.

Then she saw him.

A figure stood at the far end of the corridor, a ...