Nobody slept much that night.
The image of the sniper's crosshairs remained burned into everyone's mind long after the rally ended.
Inside the secured operations room, security officers continued reviewing surveillance footage while investigators worked through hundreds of reports connected to the attack.
But Vivian barely heard any of it.
She sat quietly beside the window overlooking the city lights, holding a cup of tea that had gone cold hours ago.
For the first time since entering politics, the danger felt personal. Not directed at Sebastian but at her.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
She looked up as Sebastian entered.
His tie was gone. His shirt sleeves were rolled up. Exhaustion sat heavily beneath his eyes.
He crossed the room without speaking and sat beside her. For several moments neither said anything.
Then Vivian finally broke the silence.
"They were aiming at me."It wasn't a question.
Sebastian looked out toward the city.
"Yes."
