Page 105 of Forged

I lean back in my chair, studying the screen while the realization sinks deeper into my mind. The discovery should feel like progress. This is exactly the kind of breakthrough Sera has been pushing for since she brought me into this operation.

I open the encrypted chat again and type a reply.

Me:Your file has gaps.

Snake Charmer:Not gaps. Blind spots.

Me:One wing is deliberately isolated.

Snake Charmer:That has to be where it’s kept. There’s no other explanation for the missing information.

Me:That’s where their servers are.

Snake Charmer:Most likely.

The cursor blinks for several seconds before the final message appears.

Snake Charmer:Don’t forget why you’re there.

The words linger on the screen long after the chat window goes quiet. I close the laptop slowly and lean back in the chair when my phone rings. The sound breaks through the quiet room, and I turn it over and look at the screen.

Lars’ name appears on the screen. The call isn’t unexpected, but it still makes me pause to take a deep breath.

“Good morning.”

“Morning,” Lars says warmly. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“You’re not.”

There’s a brief silence before he continues.

“Neomi and I were talking this morning.”

My pulse spikes.

“And?” I ask.

“And we’d like to see you again.”

The simplicity of the statement surprises me.

“I would love that. Name the time and place.”

“You could come over this evening, if you’re free,” Lars says. “I’ll send you the address for my penthouse. I can cook, we can relax. But Gabriel, I need you to know that if this continues,” he adds calmly, “it’s with both of us.”

I understand exactly what he means. The corner of my mouth lifts.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The tension in his voice subsides.

“Good,” Lars says. “Then we’ll see you tonight. I’ll send you the address.”

The call ends and I stare at the phone for a moment beforesetting it down on the desk. Something inside my chest feels unexpectedly light.

I stand, finish my coffee, then head toward the bedroom to shower. By the time I’m dressed for the day, there’s only one thing coursing through my veins.

Anticipation.