The annex smelled like fresh paper and old furniture—comforting, competent. I like rooms that know what they are. Varas met us in the lobby with three warrants and not a single dramatic flourish. Points to him.
"Clean entries," he said, handing me the envelopes. "The court is watching."
"Good," I replied. "We love an audience for boring."
Rachel grinned. Reika's eyes were already on the map board. Seraphina stood where she could see both doors without looking like a statue. Rose set a bottle of water on the nearest desk and labeled it "Arthur." Luna took Stella's hand and passed her a pencil sharpener shaped like a fox.
"Staging complete," Reika reported.
"Brief," I said, opening the first envelope. "Address One: second-floor office over a bakery. Accountant. Low risk. Address Two: townhouse with history. Expect a passive coercion ward at the threshold. Address Three: discreet office, notable surname. No shouting. Paper first, feelings last."
