"Already done. I flagged the Seattle coordinator. Told her to verify every approval personally."
I exhaled. "That'll slow things down."
"That's the idea." Do-hyun stood and walked toward the door. "Griffin, Soo-jin won't leave obvious evidence, but he's convinced he's the only one who can protect Violet Frequency. That certainty is his weakness. People who believe they're right stop checking for opposition."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. We will land in Seattle tomorrow. Whatever he's building—it's almost finished."
A minute after he left, my phone rang. It was Eamon.
I knew what the call was about. "You saw Do-hyun's files."
"Twenty minutes ago. We're mobilizing."
I kissed Rune on the cheek before rising and walking to the window. "What does that mean?"
"Michael is driving up to join Mac and me. He'll arrive tomorrow night."
"Eamon, you don't need to—"
"Griffin, you're not doing this alone. We are The Guardians."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. Listen. Soo-jin is trying to create a narrative where you're the problem. He's also threatening the lives of anyone who might get in the way."
"I know."
"We will not play his game. By the time you get to Seattle, you'll have backup."
"He'll know something's different."
"Let him. Let him realize his scenario just got more complicated."
I looked out at peaceful, oblivious San Diego. "Tomorrow."
"Yes. One more thing. Rune. How is he?"
I glanced back. "He's okay."
"He knows what's coming?"
"Yes."
"And he's still in?"
"Yes."
"Then he's braver than most principals. Take care of him and take care of yourself. Don't handle Seattle alone. That's an order."
"Understood. I'll text when we land tomorrow."
He ended the call.
As I stared out at the city, Rune wrapped his arms around me from behind. "What did Eamon say?"
"That he's mobilizing The Guardians. That we'll have support in Seattle."
