Damian Cross sat at a sleek conference table, laptop open, files spread before him.
Across from him, Vanessa Sterling reviewed documents with increasing unease.
"This is the timeline?" she asked, pointing to a detailed chart.
"Yes. Phase One begins immediately. Phase Two starts in approximately eight weeks. Phase Three—the extraction—happens in twelve to sixteen weeks, depending on circumstances."
"That's four months."
"These things require patience, Vanessa. We discussed this."
She set down the paper, frustrated. "Every day they're together, they get closer. Every day increases the risk that Kael actually falls in love with him."
"Or," Damian said calmly, "every day increases the pressure on their relationship. Making it more fragile. More vulnerable to our attacks."
He pulled up a presentation on his laptop, turning the screen toward her.
"Phase One: Undermining Trust and Isolation. This phase has three primary targets."
PHASE ONE OBJECTIVES:
