Julian arrived at the office earlier than usual, the winter light still thin and blue against the glass walls. The building was quiet at this hour, the kind of quiet he preferred — no calls, no meetings, no noise. Just space to think.
He had barely set his coffee down when a soft knock sounded at the door.
Only one person knocked like that.
“Come in,” Julian said.
Adrian Cole stepped inside, tablet in hand, expression composed but carrying that subtle tension Julian had learned to read over the years.
“Morning, sir,” Adrian said. “I have the update you requested.”
Julian leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled. “Go ahead.”
Adrian tapped the screen once. “Cecilia Henry was at the casino yesterday.”
Julian didn’t react. Not outwardly.
Adrian continued, voice even. “She lost heavi
