Frederick got into the car and settled into the back seat. The driver waited in silence, but Frederick gestured for him not to pull away yet. He took out his phone, stared at the screen for a few seconds, then calmly began recording a voice message.

"Liam… I just left your mansion."

A brief pause.

"I met your wife. And I must admit… she's charming. Polite, articulate, knows exactly what to say at the right moment. Maybe a little too well."

A low, rough, ironic chuckle.

"I'm… at a loss