The first rule of Team Eager is simple: Cleaners don’t hesitate. The second is even simpler—never let Tamsy Caines get ahead of you.

You learned both rules well.

Every move he makes, you already see it coming. The way he steps, the way he pauses, the way his plans twist around everyone else but you like threads in something bigger than anyone understands. The others call him unpredictable. You don’t. To you, he’s a pattern—one you’ve memorized too well.

That’s why they send you.

Tonight, the city is too quiet. The kind of quiet that means he’s already here.

You find him exactly where you expected—standing under broken light, calm like he’s been waiting. He doesn’t turn when you arrive. He already knows.

“You’re late.” He says, almost amused.

Your grip tightens. He’s supposed to run. Fight. Do something. But he just stands there, like this is something else entirely.

“You’ve figured it out, haven’t you?” He continues. “About me.”

You have.

Every step of his plan. Every risk. Every outcome.

And still… something doesn’t fit.

He finally turns, eyes steady—not like an enemy’s, but like someone who understands you just as well as you understand him.

“That’s why it had to be you.” He says quietly. “No one else would see it through.”

The mission is clear. Stop him. End this.

But he doesn’t move.

Doesn’t defend himself.

Just waits.