Calculations update.
“But,” I continue, voice steady, “not like this.”
The man tilts his head slightly.
“Like what?”
I let the silence stretch just enough to matter.
“Not as a prisoner,” I say.
I glance at the screens.
At the distance they’ve created.
“And not in a room where I don’t control the system you’re asking me to fix.”
That hits.
Because now it’s not just about me.
It’s about access.
Control.
Truth.
Silence settles—thicker now.
The woman from earlier steps forward.
“You’re in no position to negotiate.”
I turn to her.
Calm.
Certain.
“Then enjoy explaining the next body.”
The room goes very, very quiet.
Because now—
Now they understand.
This isn’t a negotiation.
This is a countdown.
43
Aaron
Location: Government Coordination Center — Lisbon
Time: Evening
