Page 212 of Black Reign

“Private team first. Police after she's secure.”

“Understood.”

My father calls.

I decline it.

He calls again.

Decline.

Third time.

I answer.

“What?”

Silence.

Then my father’s voice goes cold.

“Where are you?”

“Busy.”

“I have an ARGUS meeting in twenty minutes.”

“Have it without me.”

Another pause.

“You've spent the last forty-eight hours demanding access to Beaumont, and now you're disappearing?”

Every nerve in my body sharpens.

I look at the location moving across my screen.

“Something came up.”

“What?”

I don't answer.

“Xavier.”

“Handle ARGUS.”

“You were the one insisting⁠—”

“I said handle it.”

I end the call.

My security chief looks straight ahead.

Smart man.

No questions.