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CHAPTER 1: THE WORD THAT BROKE THE SILENCE

“Confirmed,” I said into the satellite phone.

The word didn’t sound loud. It didn’t need to.

On the other end, protocols moved faster than emotion. Faster than fear.

“Locking signal. Federal channel engaged. Stand by.”

Richard’s smile flickered.

Not gone—just… delayed.

He had expected shouting. Threats. Maybe even desperation.

He didn’t expect calm.

He didn’t expect procedure.

I lowered the phone slowly, letting him see it—really see it this time.

Not a toy. Not a bluff.

Recognition crept into his eyes like a crack in glass.

“You’re bluffing,” he said, but softer now.

Behind him, the Chief of Police had stopped chewing.

That was the first real shift.

Power doesn’t disappear all at once.

May you like

It hesitates.

Then it leaks.

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