Page 191 of Fractured Allegiance

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Until the sky outside the hallway window starts to lighten.

Until I hear her breathing even out on the other side.

Until I know she's finally asleep.

And then I step away.

Back to my post.

The key still heavy in my pocket.

Unused.

At 6:47 AM, the elevator dings.

Drazen steps out.

Dressed in a suit like he's heading to a board meeting. Calm and composed. In control.

He stops in front of me.

"Any issues?"

"No."

"She try to talk to you?"

"No. Just thanked me for bringing dinner."

"Did you open the door?"

"Only when Dom brought food."

"And after?"

"No."

He holds out his hand. "The key."

I pull it from my pocket. Hand it to him.

He turns it over in his palm. Studies it. Like he's checking for something.

Wear, use, evidence.

Then he nods.

"Good. You're reliable, Silas. I need more people like you."

He swipes his own keycard. Opens the door.

I don't look inside.

Don't let myself see her.

Drazen steps in. Closes the door behind him.

I hear muffled voices. His, low and steady. Hers, sharp and defiant.

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