Amanda Young paced at the bottom of the stairwell, her boots scuffing lightly against the worn tile floor. The dim glow of the hallway light above her cast faint, jittering shadows as she moved, arms folded tightly across her chest. She could feel the weight of her bag against her hip, its contents pressing insistently against her side—a reminder of her purpose here.

John had trusted her with this task. This was her moment to prove herself. To show him she was worthy of the path he had set before her. It wasn’t a particularly difficult job, just a necessary step in the grander scheme. All she had to do was wait for Adam to leave his apartment, slip inside, and set the trap for his eventual return. Simple.

And yet, the waiting gnawed at her nerves.

Every creak from above made her glance up, every shift in the air sent a pulse of adrenaline through her veins. But Adam was taking his time. She bit the inside of her cheek, willing herself to be patient. She would not fail John.