Chapter 72 Marco
Marco
The call comes from someone who technically doesn’t exist.
Which is how I know it’s real.
The number routes through four relays before the voice finally speaks.
“We can’t be seen yet,” the man says. “But we see your work.”
“Which agency?” I ask.
There’s a pause.
“Plural.”
I lean back in my chair.
Good.
They’re in.
“We can’t move until the pattern is undeniable,” the voice continues. “But you’re close.”
“How close?” I ask.
“Closer than they think.”
That’s something.
“What do you need?” I ask.
“Two more clean linkages,” he says. “And one pressure point that proves intent.”
Intent.
That’s the key to everything.
I look at the map spread across the wall.
The clinic.
The utilities.
The tavern.
Each one a piece of a larger pattern.
“You’re going to get them,” I say.
The line goes quiet.
Then the voice speaks one last time.
“Careful, Mr. Rossi.”
“Why?”
“Because the people you’re exposing…”
“They’re used to winning.”
The call disconnects.
I sit there for a long moment.
Then look back at the map.
For the first time since this started…
I allow myself one breath of something like hope.