They hurriedly walked toward Axel's office.
"What do you think this is about?" Dylan whispered.
"Either Natalie Martinez," Collins replied quietly, "or something much worse."
Dylan swallowed. "Is it worse?"
Collins smiled faintly. "There is always worse."
They stopped in front of the door to each other before Collins knocked once, then twice.
"Enter," Axel said calmly from inside.
They exchanged one last glance.
Neither of them looked reassured as they stepped forward, knowing that whatever awaited them behind that door was about to change the tone of their entire day.
When they stepped in together, Axel was already seated in the seating area as if waiting for them, sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows. His gaze lifted slowly, pinning both of them in place.
"Come and sit. Both of you."
Axel did not bother looking up as he spoke. His eyes were glued to his cell phone, his thumb scrolling slowly, as if each word on the screen carried weight.
"Five PM. My office!"
