291 - From the ashes: Not ‘K’

*The bait is back in the nest.*

*Copy that.*

In the darkness, the conversation in the obscure channel was brief, without superfluous emotions involved.

Just a fact reported, and a report acknowledged, nothing less, nothing more. No movement even followed, and no change happened.

It was like ghosts whispering on a frequency only they could hear, only they could perceive.

'K' knew nothing of that, at least he had been told nothing about it. He left the elevator to return to his apartment. His gait was hurried, trying to show composure, but with anxiety lading it.

Following him were his bodyguards, four this time instead of just two. His eyes darted around in the corridor, looking everywhere for the monster that might sprang out from some shadowy corner, ready to drink his blood.

"Is everything in place?"

He spoke to no one in particular, but a reply came from the wireless earbud he had on, the voice deep but flat: