The radio went silent.
Jacob immediately moved for the door again, but this time Lily caught his arm.
"Wait," she said urgently. "Think about this. She wants you alone and emotional. That's not a conversation—it's a trap."
"I don't care. I'm not letting my grandfather die."
"Neither am I. But rushing in without a plan will get you both killed."
Walsh was already coordinating with his team through his phone. "I've got officers moving to Henry's room now. We can try to breach—"
"No," Jacob interrupted. "If you breach, she'll kill him immediately. I know my mother. She's... she's methodical. She won't make empty threats."
"Then what do you suggest?"
Jacob's mind was racing, weighing options, calculating risks. Finally: "I go. But not alone."
"She specified alone—"
"She can't see through walls." Jacob turned to Walsh. "Your team can position in the adjacent rooms, the hallway. Close enough to respond but out of sight."
"And when she checks you for weapons?"
