Across the city…
The stillness of the night was broken by the shrill buzz of Roberto's phone. He stirred with a groan, dragging a heavy hand across the nightstand until his fingers brushed against the device.
Without even opening his eyes, he muttered, "Hello?"
"Roberto, save me!" The voice on the other end was ragged, laced with terror. "They are going to kill me."
His drowsiness vanished in an instant. The voice was unmistakably familiar.
It was his informant, whom he had planted close to Riya and Zachary. But the panic in his tone jolted Roberto. He hadn't expected the man's cover to burn this fast.
Roberto jerked upright, his pulse hammering. "Where are you?"
"Behind the Grand Hotel, there is a narrow alley that leads to an abandoned site. I am hiding there. Hurry. They are looking for me. Come and pick me up before they find me."
"I'm coming. Stay put."
