The call

{ Mia }

I tightened my grip on the communicator, my pulse quickening. I needed answers, and fast.

"Scarlett, how long until the decryption is complete?"

"Approximately five minutes," Scarlett replied. "But Mia… there's something odd about this signal."

"Define odd," I said, pacing.

Scarlett hesitated. "It's not just transmitting , someone is actively trying to connect."

My stomach twisted. Someone was listening. And now, they were calling back.

The communicator in my palm vibrated. A voice crackled through.

"Larissa?"

I inhaled sharply. That name again.

I forced myself to stay calm. I had two choices: answer and risk exposure, or ignore it and lose a potential lead.

I exhaled slowly, then pressed the button.

"This isn't Larissa," I said coolly. "Who is this?"

A long silence. Then a low chuckle.

"You're not Larissa," the voice mused. "But you have her communicator. That means you're either incredibly stupid… or very dangerous."

I narrowed my eyes. "And you are?"

"You already know," the voice said smoothly. "After all… I'm the one who sent those men to your house."

My breath caught. This was the one in charge.

Scarlett's voice interrupted in my earpiece. "Mia, don't engage! We don't know what they're capable of."

I ignored her. "Then you made a mistake," I said, forcing confidence into my tone. "Your men failed. And now, I have your tech."

A small pause. Then:

"Impressive. I underestimated you," the voice admitted. "Perhaps it's time we met in person, Mia."

My fingers tensed around the device. He knew my name.

"How do you know who I am?"

The voice only laughed. "Oh, Mia. There's so much you don't know yet. But don't worry…" The signal crackled. "I'll be seeing you soon."

Then.... click.

The line went dead.

I stared at the communicator, my thoughts racing. Who the hell was that? And why did they think I was Larissa?

Scarlett spoke up. "Mia, I have bad news. That signal? It wasn't just a call."

I exhaled sharply. "What do you mean?"

"It was a locator beacon." Scarlett's tone was grim. "Mia… they know exactly where you are."

All the color drained from my face, ' why didn't I listen to Scarlett?!'

Then an idea came to my mind ." Scarlett could you please bounce the signal and make it so that the location is in the woods ?"

" On it ."

I smiled triumphantly, 'they weren't getting to me, at least not today.'

"Done "

" And Also Scarlett, identify the location of the man, I need more info ."

" Mia I already have...." She said hesitation evident in her tone .

" Spill."

" Ummmm... The signal is from the wearhouse." She blurted out in one breath.

" The wearhouse?!" I repeated as if saying it again would make sense.

" By any chance could you find out who was the person talking, by just his voice?"

" No, I'm sorry Mia, but you didn't program me to ."

" It's alright Scarlett, it's my fault."

" Once I make a few adjustments to your system, we'll go check the wearhouse,but for now, we have to keep watch ." I stated firmly leaving no room for argument.

Then, I added." Let's go back to the house, we've had enough adventure for today." I said chuckling.