Zeroing in

Drawing a deep breath, Rene stood by the restaurant window, the phone pressed to his ear as he stared out into the evening glow.

The conversation with Catherine had barely registered in his mind. His thoughts were a whirlwind, trying to piece together the events of the past hour—the chase, the black vans, the unsettling calmness he’d felt when they’d narrowly escaped.

"Are you alright, Rene?" Catherine’s concerned voice came through the phone, pulling him back to the present.

With a deep sigh, Rene blinked, his eyes focusing on his reflection in the window. He was about to answer when something behind him caught his attention.

He turned and saw Maria sitting at the table, her posture stiff, and next to her was a man he didn’t recognize, leaning casually in the seat Rene had vacated. Maria’s face was tight with discomfort, her hands balled into fists in her lap.

"I’m going to have to call you back," Rene said abruptly, his tone hardening as he tucked his phone away without waiting for a