“I forgot my necklace. I left it here... there.” Adrian pointed to the bedside table.

Lopez was dumbfounded. She didn't know how long he had been standing there, but she could tell from his expression that he had heard something he shouldn't have.

“Adrian?”

Lopez's heart raced as she stood frozen, unsure of what to say. Adrian's eyes held a glint of confusion and anger.

“How long have you been standing there?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Adrian walked slowly into the room, picking up his necklace from the bedside table.

“Long enough to hear about the rodents,” he replied, his tone measured.

Lopez felt a wave of guilt...