CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE - The Investigation Begins

Later that afternoon, Claire decided to take a quick trip to the nearby cafe, needing a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos. As she walked back to the apartment, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She glanced over her shoulder, catching a glimpse of a man in a dark suit who seemed to be following her. Heart pounding, Claire quickened her pace, taking a series of random turns to lose her pursuer. She fumbled for her phone, dialing Mason with shaking hands. "Mason," she whispered urgently, "I think I'm being followed. I'm two blocks from home." "Stay on the line," Mason's voice was tense. "I'm coming to get you. Where exactly are you?" Claire described her location, her eyes darting around for any sign of the man. She ducked into a crowded store, weaving through the aisles, her breath coming in short gasps. After what felt like an eternity, she saw Mason's car pull up outside. She rushed out, practically diving into the passenger seat. "Drive," she gasped, and Mason peeled