The government seal looked official in a way that made the whole situation feel suddenly, undeniably real, no longer something I could rationalize away as some strange misunderstanding.
My hands shook so badly it took three attempts to dial correctly.
A woman answered on the second ring, her voice brisk and professional.
« Witness Security Division, this is Marshal Colleen Faraday. »
I opened my mouth, then closed it again, unsure how to even begin explaining.
« I found a card, » I finally said. « With this number. My husband just passed away. His name was Marcus Whitlow, but I think… I think his real name was Nathaniel Cross. »
There was a brief pause on the other end.
« Ma’am, can you confirm your location? » Marshal Faraday asked, her tone shifting immediately into something more focused.
I gave her our address, my voice unsteady.
« Someone will be there within the hour, » she said. « Please stay inside. Keep your children close. Don’t answer the door for anyone else until we arrive. »
