JULIAN

A call came at eight thirty that evening, my phone sitting on the conference room table, unknown number, everyone in the room saw it at the same time.

Cole moved immediately. "Let it ring twice before you answer," she instructed, her team already moving to trace equipment. "Keep them talking as long as possible."

I picked it up after the second ring. "Cross," I said.

The voice that came back was distorted, electronic and deliberately unrecognizable. "Mr. Cross," it said. "I trust you've been having a difficult evening."

My hand tightened on the phone. Blake was watching my face from across the table.

David had gone completely still. "Where...