The Taunting Note and the First Scar

FABIAN

The car hummed smoothly beneath me as we headed down the forest-lined highway. Marcus sat silently in the driver's seat, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. I adjusted my tie for the fifth time in as many minutes, feeling like the suit was choking me.

I hated wearing suits. They felt like armor I shouldn't need.

"How much longer?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Twenty minutes, sir," Marcus replied, his voice neutral as always.

The folded note burned in my pocket like a live coal. I'd read it a dozen times since finding it slipped under my office door yesterday morning, but I took it out again anyway.

*Someone in your own pack was involved in what happened to Vanessa West. Ask the right questions.*

No signature. No clues. Just a taunt wrapped in vague accusation.