Chapter 4 — Victor Sinclair’s Offer

Third Person

The midday sun filtered through the canopy of maples lining the cobblestone plaza, dappling the ground with shifting patterns of light. Emily stood at the edge of the plaza, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her fingers unconsciously brushing against the brass compass in her pocket. The faint scent of popcorn from the nearby cart mingled with the musk of damp earth, but the usual hum of activity was muted. A tense silence hung over the small gathering of staff members. Everyone was waiting.