Thompson felt a pang of caution. He knew exactly where Ethan was—he was currently dismantling an entire criminal empire in the frozen North—but he couldn't reveal a single detail. He didn't know what Ethan's ultimate plans were for these kids, and he wasn't about to compromise the "shadow king" by saying too much.
"I understand your concern. I actually saw him not too long ago," Thompson said. He chose his words carefully, keeping his tone light and reassuring. "He's been incredibly busy with some private projects and travels. He isn't the type to stay in one place for long, as you know."
Hailey looked slightly relieved, but the sadness in her eyes remained. "Does he know we're looking for him?" Hailey said.
Thompson looked at his son and then back at the girl. He reached into his pocket and felt the encrypted phone. "Tell you what. Let me make a call. I'll see if I can get a message through to him for you," Thompson said.
"Would you really? Thank you, Mr. Thompson," Hailey said.
