James Rodriguez

Put her on the phone.

She's under medical observation.

Ankle injury and dehydration.

Convenient.

Wilson paused, his voice shifting to something more calculated.

Look, I understand the trauma you've experienced.

Combat veterans often transfer stress, reactions to supernatural frameworks when rational explanations feel insufficient.

The condescension was precisely calibrated to undermine my credibility.

I recognise the tactic from dozens of previous encounters with men like Wilson.

I'm formally terminating our contract.

I said, I'll decline all further payment and consider my obligation fulfilled with the safe return of one team member and recoverable equipment.

You don't get to terminate anything, Wilson countered.

My legal team will determine contractual resolution.

You're welcome to pursue that avenue.

I checked my watch.

10.47 in the morning.

In the meantime, I'll be assisting Emily with documentation of our findings for scientific publication.

wilson's voice dropped to something approaching a threat dr johnson signed comprehensive confidentiality agreements regarding all observations and discoveries publication without my express written approval constitutes breach of contract with significant financial penalties she's aware of the agreements i kept my tone neutral

She's also aware that five people died because you withheld critical information about Yossir Island's nature.

I withheld nothing.