Evan felt fear rise again. Calder stepped closer, voice raw. “We don’t have much time. We have this now; they’ll stop at nothing to get it. I need your help.” His desperation was palpable. Evan couldn’t tell if it was guilt, fear, or manipulation.
Evan’s mind raced. “But how did something so important end up in my apartment? Among my father’s things?” Calder didn’t blink. “I’ll explain the details later,” he said. “I hid it where I knew they’d never think to look. I’ve watched you for years. You keep to yourself. You’re careful.”