Arrival of the Mole

Then, a frustrated sigh.

"Damn it, Noah."

Noah could hear Adam pacing on the other end of the line.

"You're outnumbered. You don't even know who this guy is yet. You expect me to sit on my ass while you go in there alone?"

"That's exactly what I expect." Noah's voice was calm. Cold. Unwavering.

"Listen, Lieutenant. If you come early, they scatter. If they scatter, we lose our chance to eliminate the root of this problem. Two hours gives me time to confirm the leader's identity and end this properly."

Adam was silent.

Noah let it hang in the air.

He knew what Adam would do. The Lieutenant was a professional, but he also trusted Noah's instincts.

Finally, Adam exhaled sharply.

"Fine. Two hours. But if you don't check in, I'm sending the team in regardless."

"Understood."

Noah ended the call before Adam could argue further.