The lab confirmed the boy’s warning—traces of a potent toxin had been found in the lemon glaze. The dish had indeed been poisoned. Alexander felt a chill run down his spine as he realized just how close he had come to unwittingly consuming it.
The café had emptied out after the commotion, and now only Alexander, the boy, and a few of his security personnel remained. Alexander beckoned the child over, gesturing for him to take a seat. The guards released their grip on the boy, who seemed both relieved and apprehensive as he approached.
“Thank you,” Alexander said with genuine gratitude, looking the boy in the eyes. “You saved my life today. What’s your name?”
“Ethan,” the boy replied, clutching his teddy bear a little tighter.
“Ethan,” Alexander repeated, committing the name to memory. “How did you end up here, and how did you know to warn me?”
Ethan hesitated, glancing down at his worn shoes. “I… I saw her. The lady with the sunglasses. I was sitting on the street outside when she came in. I thought she was acting strange, so I followed her inside. When she switched your food, I knew I had to do something.”
