The Airport Fight.

The next day, Jack's peaceful sleep was broken by the sound of his phone vibrating. Groggily, he picked it up, still lying beside Katrina, who stirred slightly but didn't wake.

"Hello," Jack mumbled, stepping onto the balcony as he answered the call. The cold morning air nipped at his skin, but the voice on the other end instantly sobered him.

"Jack, you need to come today," Dev Swami said. His voice sounded strained and weak, a tone Jack had never heard from his mentor before. "I don't feel good these days."

Jack's brow furrowed as he gripped the metal railing of the balcony. Dev Swami was the closest thing to a father figure he'd ever had, and he never called unless it was important.

"Alright, Dev. I'll be there," Jack replied firmly, though worry churned in his gut. "Just hang on."

"Thank you. Don't delay," Dev said, his words punctuated by a harsh cough before the line went dead.