Franz woke up because his phone wouldn't stop buzzing.
He was on top of the covers. Still in his clothes from the press conference. The jacket was wrinkled. His shoes were still on. He hadn't meant to fall asleep. He'd just closed his eyes for a second, and then the phone was buzzing and the clock said 2:03 AM.
He reached for the phone without opening his eyes. Squinted at the screen.
Arianne.
Got a private plane. Gio and I land at 4AM. Can you send a car?
His heart started beating faster. He read the message twice. Three times. She was coming home. Not tomorrow. Not in five days. In two hours.
He typed back before he thought.
I'll be there.
Her reply came fast. She was probably still in the air. The signal was spotty.
You don't have to. Send someone.
I'll be there.
He didn't wait for her to argue. He threw the phone on the bed and stood up.
