The Park was alive with late-afternoon laughter. Around five o'clock, sunlight filtered through the trees in soft, golden ribbons as Nadia sat on a wooden bench, her hands folded in her lap. Her eyes never left Zara.
Zara was racing toward the slide, her small shoes kicking up dust, her laughter rising above the noise of the other children. She climbed, slipped, slid, then ran back again, joy written plainly on her face. Watching her, Nadia felt a quiet warmth settle in her chest. Moments like this made everything else bearable a man appeared out of nowhere, wearing a smart suit, and sat next to her.
Nadia didn't turn at first. She assumed it was another parent—until a sharp, unfamiliar voice broke the rhythm of the park.
"Sorry to bother you, Nadia."
Her breath caught.
She turned slowly. The man beside her was dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, out of place among joggers and strollers. His shoes were spotless. His posture precise. He wore no expression that gave anything away.
"How do you know my name?" she asked.
"I'm an agent," he said calmly. "Paid by a company to speak with you. Nothing more."
Nadia's gaze flicked back to Zara, who was now at the top of the slide, waving proudly. "What do you want?" she asked. "Who sent you?"
"I know you have many questions. You'll get your answers soon. For now, you should know this—no harm will come to you or your daughter, Zara."
Her heart skipped.
"You looked into me," she said. "Into my family."
"We know you," he replied. "A mid-level biomedical researcher. Respected, overlooked. Valuable precisely because no one is watching too closely. You're smart, capable… and replaceable."
The words stung, though she knew they were true.
"Tonight, you'll receive an email," he continued. "Read it carefully. What you choose could change your life—and your daughter's future. Once you decide, call me."
He stood, slipped a business card into her hand, and walked away without another word.
Nadia watched him disappear into the crowd, her fingers tightening around the card.
That night, the apartment was quiet except for the hum of the refrigerator. Zara slept peacefully, curled beneath her blanket, her breathing slow and steady. Nadia lay awake, staring at the ceiling, the man's voice replaying in her mind.
Her phone vibrated.
She sat up immediately.
The email came without ceremony—no logos, no pleasantries, just cold, efficient words. She carried her laptop to the dining table and read slowly, carefully.
From: Recruitment
Subject: Field Research Opportunity – Immediate Placement
Dr. Nadia,
We have reviewed your published work on hematologic adaptation and parasite resistance. Your profile matches the requirements for a short-term international assignment.
Location: Amazon Basin (Brazil–Peru border)
Duration: 6 weeks
Compensation: £120,000 (tax-free), paid in advance
Full medical clearance and on-site protection will be provided.
This opportunity is time-sensitive. Discretion is required.
Reply within 24 hours to proceed.
No interview. No job listing. Just an offer wrapped in secrecy.
"It's too much," she whispered. "Too easy."
She returned to Zara's room and stood there, watching her daughter sleep. The future pressed heavily on her chest—school fees, opportunities, safety. A life larger than this small apartment.
"This could change everything," she murmured.
Her fingers found the business card.
She dialed.
"Hello."
"I've been waiting, Nadia," the man said. "Tomorrow morning, a car will pick you up at Zara's school." The line went dead.
Monday arrived like any other.
Nadia walked Zara to school, handed her lunchbox over with a smile that felt practiced.
"Thank you, Mama," Zara said. "You're the best."
Nadia turned away before her voice could betray her.
A black car rolled to a stop beside her.
"Ms. Nadia," the driver said. "Remember me?"
She nodded and got in.
They drove through London, the familiar streets slowly giving way to steel and glass. Helix Dominion Group rose above the skyline at Canary Wharf—a secured high-rise near Westferry Circus, isolated, immaculate, and quiet.
Inside, everything was calm. Too calm.
She was escorted to a meeting room where three figures waited.
"Dr. Nadia," said a man with sharp eyes and a practiced smile.
"Welcome. I'm Mr. Hale. This is Hailey. And Jones."
He slid a booklet across the table as he spoke.
"Our work focuses on hematophagic pathogens—blood-feeding organisms. Ancient parasites found deep within rainforest caves. They may hold the key to treating anemia, blood disorders, even developing advanced anti-clotting medicine."
Nadia listened, her instincts warring with her curiosity.
"When do we leave?" she asked.
"In two days. Once you sign. The project is called Vesper. It's simple—collect samples, return home."
"And my safety?"
"Guaranteed," Hale said smoothly.
"And the payment will be transferred immediately."
The contract lay before her. Nadia picked up the pen.
She signed.
"Welcome to Project Vesper," Hale said. "Prepare yourself. Everything changes from here."
As she was driven home, Nadia watched the city pass by, unaware that she had just stepped beyond the edge of the life she knew—and into something far darker.