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Wednesday, 4:05 pm local time

Lauren sed hard as she settled herself behind the simple wooden table that served as a desk

She was in an empty bedroom that she’d never seen before The entire roo The only items present were the desk, a wooden chair for her to sit on, and a laptop computer

Bashki just off to her left, positioned where he couldn’t be seen on caripped the handle of a frighteningly long knife—one that could slit her throat in a heartbeat, and the tightness of his grasp was a reminder that he would do just that if provoked

Lauren had now been given the precise details of what shewell-cared for by infor him that she was provided with three meals a day, with her own bedroom, use of a bathroom, and with the freedo she was in, how ht be speaking Just her care and comfort—and the most imperative part—a plea for her father to supply whatever he was being asked for If he didn’t cooperate, she was to assure him that she’d be killed

She interlaced her fingers tightly in front of her, chilled despite the royal blue turtleneck sweater she earing She’d chosen it carefully, hoping she looked as much like her usual self as possible Sweater and jeans, her customary winter attire

But no sweater could alleviate this internal chill

“Just a few more minutes,” Bashkim told her “The computer is on Noait?

??

Starbucks

Northstar Drive, Lake Tahoe

28 February

Wednesday, 7:10 am local time

Vance connected to the videoconference using the link he’d been provided

The next few seconds felt like an eternity