My steps are a frantic, echoing staccato on the polished marble. I'm late. Angel must be waiting, probably bored, maybe anxious in this unfamiliar, imposing place. I skid to a stop in front of my office door and push it open.
Empty.
The room is silent, still.
No Angel.
No Ziya.
Only Silence...
My breath hitches.
Where is he?
And the boy?
A cold thread of worry winds through my chest. I trusted Ziya to stay with him. I turn on my heel and stride back into the hall, my expression tight with concern.
A staff girl walks by, bowing lightly. I barely register her. "Where's Angel?" The question comes out sharp, edged with panic.
She looks confused.
I rub my temple, frustration mounting.
"My friend. The one I brought with me today."
Her eyes widen with understanding. "Oh! Sir, Ziya and your friend are up on the company terrace."
I don't thank her. I'm already moving, my steps urgent, eating up the distance to the elevator bank. I stab the button.
The terrace?
