Marco’s expression doesn’t change, but the word lands between us for what it is. Rehabilitation. A controlled absence disguised as correction.
“Location?” he asks.
“Southern holding,” I say. “Restricted contact. No direct communication with the family.”
“For how long?”
“As long as necessary.”
Marco nods once. “And the reason?”
The reason is already understood. It doesn’t need to be said. But saying it defines it.
“Instability,” I reply.
Marco watches me, waiting to see if I’ll expand. I don’t. He doesn’t push further. He knows where the line is.
“And the girl?” he asks instead.
“She remains.”
“As what?”
“A variable.”
Marco accepts that. It’s the only answer that functions.
“If the marriage is no longer required…” he begins.
“It was never required,” I say. “It was useful.”
“And now?”
“Now we determine if it still is.”
A pause.
“Understood.”
He leaves.
* * *
The first report arrives before noon.
06:10 — awake.
06:18 — window inspection.
06:24 — adjoining room.
06:31 — service door. Locked.
06:36 — hall.
06:37 — returns after visual contact with guard.
06:52 — requests coffee. Black.
