Page 104 of Main Event

“Bill is working it directly,” I said. “It’s going to happen.”

She was quiet for a moment. Then, she asked, “Soon?”

“Soon,” I said.

I’m at the heavy bag—not hitting it, just standing near it—when Bill calls at four.

“She’s here,” he says.

I know what he means before he says more. I’ve been waiting for this since Thursday, when the fingerprints came back federal. Since the story broke this morning. Since every institutional mechanism Evelyn built to protect herself started failing simultaneously.

She has one move left.

“The house?” I ask.

“We think so. The FBI has a car two blocks away—they’ve been watching the property since this morning. But Luke—” Bill pauses. “They can’t intervene unless there’s an active threat. They need cause.”

“I understand,” I say.

“Andi is at the center.”

“I know. She’s staying there until I call.”

“Luke.” Bill’s voice is careful. “Whatever happens tonight—do not go looking for it. If he comes to you, that’s different. But don’t⁠—”

“I’m going home,” I say. “I’m going to be inside my house. If someone comes to my door, I’m going to answer it.”

He pauses, then, softer: “That’s all I needed to know.”

I hang up.

I tape my hands out of habit—not for training, just the familiar ritual of preparation. Then I untape them. I don’t need them taped for this.

I drive home.

ANDI

Luke calls at five-fifteen.

“Come home,” he says. “Now. Bring whoever Bill has watching you at the center.”

I know from his voice. Not panic—the controlled register of someone who has assessed a situation and made a decision.

“How long do I have?” I ask.

“Bill thinks tonight. The FBI is positioned. Just come home.”

I tell Mrs. Alvarez I’m leaving. She doesn’t ask why. She reads it in my face and nods and says she’ll lock up. I call Bill’s security contact, and he tells me there’s already someone outside who will follow me home.

I drive.

LUKE

He comes at eight-forty-seven.

I know it’s him before I open the door. The knock isn’t asking permission. It isn’t the casual announcement of a neighbor. Three strikes. Deliberate.

I open the door.