Chapter 47: The List and the Toothbrush
Lucas didn’t move from his seat; he just reached for a button on the table’s edge and pressed it once.
A soft chime echoed. Barely a sound at all.
A few minutes later, the door opened with a gentle knock that was mostly for courtesy. David stepped inside. He was, as always, immaculate—vest buttoned, posture straight, movements efficient without being rushed.
Lucas didn’t look away from the agenda as he spoke.
"They were all let go after my designation," he said quietly. "Isabela Wright. Tom Walton. Steve Kelly."
David paused, just a beat. "Would you like them contacted?"
Lucas leaned back in his chair, thinking about the question for a moment.
"I want to know how they are doing." He paused. "I would like to continue working with them, as I might need to go to the University. They were good in their fields."
David gave a small nod, the kind that meant everything was already in motion.
"I’ll provide a report by tonight," he said.
But he didn’t make it to the door.
The handle turned, and Serathine entered without waiting for permission. She was followed by Trevor, whose presence carried less of her ease and more of a reluctant gravity—like someone asked to join a meeting that already began without him.