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Then she’s gone.

I last eleven minutes at my desk before I text her.

Did you make the train?

Her reply comes quickly.

Just got on. The A train at 5:45 a.m. is a whole experience. There’s a guy sleeping across three seats hugging a saxophone. I’m jealous of his sleep skills.

You fell asleep mid-sentence last night.

I did NOT.

You got as far as “Went” and then you were gone.

Mortifying.

It was the best part of my night.

Better than the other stuff?

Close second.

I’m still smiling when her next text comes an hour later.

Hey… kind of weird thing. There’s a woman outside my building. She was here when I got home and she’s still here. She knows my name.

The smile drops instantly. I read the business card Anna attached to the text.

I call Theo before I’ve even finished reading the rest of her messages.

"I need a background on a journalist. Name and publication incoming. I also need to know who she's been talking to. Who pointed her at my club and specifically at a staff member."

"Timeline?"

"Now."

"Copy."

I hang up. Text Anna.

Don't talk to her again. If she approaches you, walk away. If she follows you, call me immediately.

Danny, she didn't seem dangerous. She was just asking

She was waiting outside your building. She knows your name and where you work. Someone gave her that information. That's not journalism. That's targeting.

A pause. Longer than the others.

You're scaring me a little.

I stop. Read that again. Sit down.

I'm sorry. I don't mean to scare you. But someone directed this woman to you specifically, and I need to find out who and why. Can you stay inside today?

I don't have a shift until tomorrow.

Good. Stay home. I'll handle this.