Chapter 72: Connecting the Dots

Kerrigan paced her room, the lights of Velyki City twinkling outside the hotel suite window. The phone felt heavy in her hand as she debated whether to make the call to Theo. It was late—midnight, to be exact—but there was no time to waste. She needed him to be on board, and she needed him to understand the gravity of the situation.

Taking a deep breath, she dialed Theo Bryant’s number. The phone rang several times before he picked up, his voice groggy and irritated.

“Kerrigan? Do you have any idea what time it is?” Theo’s voice was thick with sleep.

“I do, and I’m sorry to wake you,” Kerrigan replied, trying to keep her tone calm and steady. “But this can’t wait. I need you in my office first thing in the morning. There’s something important we need to discuss.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Kerrigan could practically hear Theo rubbing his eyes as he processed her words.

“Fine,” he finally said, his tone resigned. “I’ll be there. But this better be worth it.”

“I