Samuel stepped out of the kitchen without another word, muttering something about needing to shower.
The moment he disappeared down the hallway, Kathleen's smile faded instantly. It erased like chalk under rain.
Her eyes sharpened and her posture straightened. The softness she showed seconds ago drained from her face, replaced by a calculated coldness.
She placed her mug down gently, listening as Samuel's footsteps retreated, then waited for a couple of seconds.
When she was certain he was gone, she slipped her hand into the pocket of her robe and pulled out a second phone. It was a small, burner device she kept hidden from Samuel.
This was the burner device Igor had given her.
The moment it lit up, her entire expression shifted into something hungry, expectant and almost feverish.
She swiped quickly and opened their private chat.
Her fingers flew across the keys as she started a conversation
Kathleen: Samuel seemed on edge today but he doesn't know anything yet.
