"Don't react," Alexander said quietly beside her.
Emily didn't move.
"I'm not."
"Good."
But she could feel it.
The shift.
The tension.
The moment before something happens.
Across the room, the man tilted his head slightly.
Almost like—
Acknowledgment.
Then he turned.
And walked away.
Emily stepped forward instinctively.
But Alexander's hand closed around her wrist.
Firm.
Stopping her.
"No."
Emily looked at him.
"That's him."
"I know."
"Then why are we letting him walk away?"
Alexander's grip tightened slightly.
"Because he wants us to follow."
Emily exhaled.
"He's playing with us."
Alexander's voice lowered.
"Yes."
A pause.
"Now we play back."