Page 90

Charles gave a small smile. “Curiosity, Officer. Or maybe nostalgia. Or maybe I just believe in finishing stories properly.”

Anna glanced at Officer Russo, then gave a reluctant nod. “Alright. We really appreciate it. And I promise—we’ll only be here for two days. We won’t be a bother.”

Charles nodded toward the elevator with a pleasant smile. “Why don’t you check your rooms first? You’ll be in 4067 and 4068—right down the hall from each other. Take a moment to settle in. I’ll have someone come fetch you for the tour shortly.”

Anna thanked him politely, but her smile faded the moment the elevator doors closed.

“Fourth floor…” she murmured as they ascended.

Russo glanced over. “Something wrong?”

She shook her head slowly, her brow furrowed. “That’s the floor where Thomas was found dead.”

When they reached their rooms and opened the doors, Anna paused in the hallway, her gaze fixed on the opposite wall. There, faded but unmistakable, was a painting of a lion with an exaggerated grin—almost cartoonish in style.

Her breath caught in her throat.

“I remember this,” she murmured.

Russo glanced at her. “What is it?”

She pointed toward the wall. “The report from ten years ago—it mentioned this. A strange lion painting right across from Thomas’s room. That’s how they identified the location. There were no room numbers then, just landmarks.”Realization settled over her like a chill.