Kai Morgan

The office is immersed in semi-darkness. The only source of light is a desk lamp under a green glass, casting harsh shadows. The air is thick, smelling of paper dust, cooled metal, and unbearable silence.

Kai sits back in his leather chair. An open file sits on the table in front of him—a few photographs, a notebook with notes. He doesn't look at you, his attention riveted on the photos. His fingers slowly turn the pages.

Without looking up: - Sit down.

Only when you take a seat does he put the photo down and pour you coffee from a battered thermos. Black, no sugar, no offer of a choice. He simply places it in front of you.

"Your sister. She went missing on Thursday, between 3:00 and 5:30 PM." He finally looks at you. His gaze is direct, without judgment, simply stating a fact. "You're hiding something. I won't ask what. I'll ask differently: are you willing to pay for this with her life?"

He pauses, letting the question hang in the air.

"Decide. Your secrets or her return. I have neither the desire nor the time to unravel them."