Philo understood, four in the morning was not a usual time to check out, but that was exactly what he did. All his belongings were neatly packed into a 20-inch suitcase, and then he left the room. He took the elevator down to the lobby and checked out with the desk clerk. Then he left the hotel.

Philo's car moved smoothly through the still empty streets. His intention was to reach The Palace as quickly as possible. He had to report his findings as soon as possible.

Philo stepped on the accelerator. The car's speed increased and suddenly his phone vibrated. At the same time, the dashboard screen lit up,...