Clift lingered near the entrance, pretending to scroll through his phone while the last of the guests drifted out, their laughter fading into the night. The glow from the building's chandelier cast over him in gold light, flickering faintly against his glasses.
Across the lobby, Sean Lockwood checked his watch for the third time, irritation creasing his brow. His gaze darted toward the restroom again, jaw tightening.
Moments later, Igor burst out from the door, face alight with a grin so wide it looked almost unnatural. His step was lighter, his eyes gleaming with the kind of joy only winners, or liars, wear.
Sean's frown deepened. Just minutes ago, Igor had been sulking, shoulders slumped, eyes dead with worry. Now he was practically glowing.
"What the he*l…" Sean muttered under his breath.
"Let's go!" Igor ignores Sean's probing look, then brushes past him with a wild sort of energy radiating from every movement.