Rey didn't return to the Red House headquarters immediately after his conversation with Cassius.
Instead, he had the carriage drop him off at a nondescript tavern in district seven—one of the areas where Category C Guards on their payroll operated. The kind of establishment where information flowed as freely as alcohol, where people talked without realizing who might be listening.
"I need to handle some personal business," Rey told Cassius, who looked uncertain but nodded. "Return to Lady Z and inform her that I'm pursuing an alternative approach to the situation. I'll report directly to her once it's resolved."
"Are you certain?" Cassius asked, worry evident in his voice. "If you're planning something aggressive, we should coordinate with—"
"Trust me," Rey interrupted, his tone carrying a confidence that made Cassius pause. "I know what I'm doing. And more importantly, I know what needs to be done."
Cassius studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly.
