Chapter 87. Destroy Him

The ringing of the phone shattered the oppressive silence of Maddox Martine’s study, each sharp chime reverberating like a tolling bell of doom. Maddox’s hand shook slightly as he lifted the receiver, the cold weight of premonition settling in his chest like a stone. He had learned to recognize that certain calls were never benign, and this one carried the unmistakable aura of catastrophe.

“Mr. Martine,” the voice on the other end belonged to Doctor Benson, the physician who had attended to his late wife in her final days. The words trembled slightly, betraying a discomfort that mirrored Maddox’s own rising panic. “I thought it prudent to inform you…”

“Out with it, man,” Maddox barked, the clipped words sharp with impatience and undercut by a tremor of dread. His grip on the receiver tightened, knuckles whitening with tension.

“Travis Turner was here asking q