Eric Crown was in an international business meeting with some partners when he noticed an incoming video call. He declined and sent a message to the caller—his childhood friend, General Billy Holmes. Billy hadn't been around. He'd been sent to handle an operation in the outlands, so for him to be calling meant he was back.
As he concluded his meeting, he gave instructions to his assistant Andrew, then he called Billy back.
"Have you seen the news about the fire at Coronation Apartments?" General Billy asked, not one to beat around the bush.
"Yes, and Sophie mentioned during breakfast that her family has apartments there. She was sure of the details. Is it of interest to us?"
"Yes. Marcus Lanzo has blocks of apartments there, and one of the blocks was involved in the fire. A very, very suspicious fire. The fire service officers have concluded it was set intentionally, and a particular apartment was burnt to the ground—nothing recognizable."
