Friday. 10:03 p.m.
Room 1408. InterContinental. Top floor. City lights through the window.
Anna arrived at 10:07.
Mid-40s. Dark hair pulled back. Makeup careful but not overdone. Simple black dress she probably hadn't worn in a year. Small purse clutched tight.
She stepped inside. Saw the flowers. The champagne. The note on the table.
"Compliments of an admirer. Room 1408. 10 p.m. Friday."
She froze when she saw Alex in the armchair. Lights low. Face half in shadow.
"You…"
She recognized him instantly.
"Marcin's classmate."
Alex stood.
Smiled.
"Used to be."
She turned toward the door.
"I'm leaving."
Alex didn't move.
"You could."
He gestured to the champagne.
"Or you could stay. Have a drink. Hear the offer."
She stopped.
Hand on the handle.
"What offer?"
"Money," Alex said simply. "Five thousand euros. Cash. Tonight. No strings. No names. You walk out richer than you walked in."
She laughed, short, disbelieving.
"You're sixteen."
"I'm the one with the cash."
