"We should verify what he said," Simon moved to the window, peering out through the curtains. "Before making any decisions."
Viktor nodded. "I have contacts who might know something. I'll make some calls."
Three hours and several cryptic phone conversations later, Viktor confirmed Noah's information. The Organization's local operation was indeed being dismantled. Higher-level agents had been recalled, and the office building was being scrubbed clean.
"So we're free?" Brent asked, bouncing on his toes.
"Not entirely," Viktor cautioned. "But the immediate threat level has gone pretty low."
Charlie looked at Simon, who remained tense, vigilant. "What do you think?"
Simon's eyes met his. "I think we should be cautious. But..." He exhaled slowly. "Yes. Maybe it's time to go home."
The decision made, they packed up their meager belongings and vacated the building.
In the parking lot, Brent hugged Charlie fiercely. "Call me the second you get settled, okay? And if anything feels off you come straight to my place. I'll totally believe you this time, bro."
"Thank you," Charlie said. "I'll tell you."
Viktor volunteered to drive Charlie and Simon to Charlie's apartment building.
They passed the drive in silence. Charlie watched the familiar streets slide past, feeling disconnected from them, as if he were watching a movie of his old life rather than returning to it.
Viktor parked across from Charlie's building. "Want me to wait?"
"No need," Simon said. "We may be a while. We'll find our own way from here."
"Call if you need anything," Viktor said, and then he was gone, the car disappearing around the corner.
Simon surveyed the building. "I'll check the perimeter first."
"Is that really necessary?" Charlie asked, then caught himself. "Sorry. Of course it is."
The ghost of a smile crossed Simon's face. "Just to be sure. I'm not risking your safety after everything."
Ten minutes later, Simon returned and gave Charlie the all-clear. Together, they climbed the three flights of stairs to Charlie's apartment.
There, Charlie fumbled with his keys. Somehow, he could not get his hands steady.
Why was he nervous?
When he finally pushed the door open, the apartment beyond looked exactly as he'd left it: dusty dishes by the sink, a half-empty mug of coffee on the counter, bills scattered across the table.
Like a moment frozen in time.
Simon stepped inside after him, scanning the small space with his gaze as if he was still looking for threats.
"It's so strange," Charlie said, moving to the window to look out at the city lights. "Nothing here has changed, but everything feels different."
"You've changed," Simon said simply.
Charlie nodded. "Yeah, I guess I have."
He moved to the stack of mail that had accumulated beneath his door slot. Bills, advertisements, more bills... and an official notice from his landlord. Charlie opened it, already knowing what it would say.
EVICTION NOTICE. PAST DUE: THIRTY DAYS.
"Great." He tossed the paper onto the counter. "I can add homelessness to my list of problems."
