Marlon let out a soft sigh. "I'll do my best to cover for him… for now. But I can't guarantee he'll be safe from consequences. He's already breaking multiple protocols, and that's not something we can ignore for long. If the higher-ups catch wind of his actions, and they order his arrest or detainment… my hands will be tied. You know the law, Beatrice."
Her shoulders dropped slightly. "I understand."
"Convince him," Marlon said as he stood and adjusted his coat. "If you can't reach him directly, try through his sister."
With that, he turned and left the cafe, leaving Beatrice alone at the table.
She stared quietly at the empty seat across from her, her fingers tightening around her coffee cup.
"Come on, Theo… don't make this harder than it already is," she whispered.
Just as Beatrice finished the last sip of her now-cold coffee, the bell over the cafe door jingled softly. She turned and saw Aries walking back inside, a sheepish smile on her face.
