James was dragged out of sleep by the sharp buzz of his phone vibrating on the nightstand.
He groaned, rolled over, and squinted at the screen. It was barely 6:37 AM on a Sunday.
The caller ID read: Mr. Harrington.
He sat up immediately.
"Morning," James said, voice still thick with sleep.
"Apologies for the early call, Mr. Zolomon," came the smooth, steady voice of Mr. Harrington. "But this couldn't wait."
James rubbed his eyes. "I understand. What's going on?"
"I've spoken to the appropriate contacts. Discreetly, of course. You're officially on their radar now. It's only a matter of time before things escalate."
James exhaled, fully awake now.
"I figured as much. They made a move on Alina last night."
There was a pause.
"I see. Was she harmed?"
"No. But she was followed. Shadowed. I advised her to stay under the radar. We both knew this was coming. I just didn't expect them to act this soon."
