EVENING rolled in cloaked in the same familiar quietness that had always wrapped Oswald’s mansion like a silk veil, except tonight, it felt heavier somehow, like something brewing beneath the surface.

Oswald and Nathan returned together as usual, the low hum of their conversation dying as they stepped inside. Nathan peeled away to handle something with the new security head while Oswald moved toward the kitchen. He opened the fridge, grabbed a chilled bottle of sparkling water, and twisted the cap open in one smooth motion. He leaned against the counter for a heartbeat, sipping, his mind drifting back to the mild fuss at the office earlier, why the call...