Doubts

Takumi’s movements were measured, calculated, as though the air itself had grown heavier, amplifying every sound and motion. He approached Samantha cautiously, wrapping his coat over his hand before carefully prying the knife from her trembling fingers.

The blade clattered to the floor beside Junel’s lifeless body, a stark and chilling punctuation to the surreal tableau before him.

“Don’t call the cops unless I say so,” Takumi instructed, his tone steady but low, carrying an authority that brokered no argument.

Anwar and the butler exchanged uneasy glances but nodded, their training overriding their questions.

Anwar knelt beside Junel’s body, pressing two fingers against his neck to confirm the absence of a pulse.