Page 182 of Fractured Allegiance
But he doesn't trust me either.
This is a test for both of us.
And if I show even a flicker of concern for her—if I ask too many questions, try to help her, break protocol in any way—he'll know.
Naomi's voice echoes in my head: Stay professional. Don't react. Stay sharp.
I nod once. "Understood. When do I start?"
"Now." Drazen gestures to Dom. "Take him up."
Dom pushes off the wall. "Let's go."
I stand. Follow him out.
As the door closes behind us, I catch Drazen's voice, low and cold:
"And Silas? Don't disappoint me."
The elevator ride to the residential floor feels like it takes hours.
It doesn't. It's thirty seconds.
But I count every one.
Dom stands beside me, hands in his pockets, whistling that same tuneless melody.
I don't speak. Don't ask questions.
But my mind is racing.
They know.
They have to.
Drazen wouldn't put me on her unless he suspected something. He's testing to see if I'll slip. If I'll show my hand.
And if I do, we're both dead.
The elevator dings. Doors slide open.
Dom leads me down another pristine hallway. Stops at the third door on the left.
"This is it," he says, pulling out a keycard.
I scan the hallway. Two cameras in the corners. One above the elevator door.
We're being watched.
"What's the protocol?" I ask.
"Simple. She stays in. No one gets in unless Drazen clears it. You stand here. All night." He unlocks the door. "Don't talk to her. Don't open that door unless I tell you to. Just make sure she doesn't go anywhere."
"Got it."
He pushes the door open just enough for me to see inside.
Cream walls. Amber light. A bed. A window.
