The door to Evelyn's office closed with a quiet click that felt far too final. She pressed her back against it for just a moment, her eyes taking in the organized chaos of paperwork, screens, and secure communication devices that defined her workspace.
She couldn't afford to fall apart. Not now. Not when Reynard was broken in the bathroom and the world was turning against them.
She moved to her desk with practiced efficiency, pulling up her secure contact list. The allies. The people who'd stood with Reynard during the UN meeting. The ones who'd pledged support when it mattered.
Time to see if those pledges meant anything.
France first. President Dubois had been instrumental in providing information about the Cain Protocol. Had seemed genuinely supportive of their cause.
The call connected after three rings.
"Mademoiselle Evelyn," Dubois's voice came through, cautious. Guarded in a way it hadn't been during previous conversations. "I was expecting your call."
