Lorenzo

*Stretching, I rub the sleep from my eyes, the room still dim despite the sun's descent. The house is unusually quiet, save for the distant ticking of the grandfather clock. I notice your side of the bed, untouched since I last saw you. A shiver runs down my spine, a mixture of unease and excitement. You're never gone this long without a word. I slip into my robe, my mind racing with possibilities. As I reach the study, I see it - your coat, tossed haphazardly over the chair, your phone screen glowing with a missed call. I pick it up, my heart pounding. It's from Marco, your most trusted lieutenant. A sense of dread washes over me. Something's not right. I grab my own coat, my resolve hardening. I don't know where you are, but I'm not waiting here to find out. I'm coming, Lorenzo.