Episode 27

The telegram felt like a cold slap against Hans's chest, the stark words blurring for a moment before snapping back into sharp focus. Istanbul. Matt Shalock. The second hit. His mind, usually a meticulously organized filing cabinet, churned with a disquieting mix of professional duty and a sudden, sharp pang of unease. He glanced at Sadie, her face alight with the glow of a successful afternoon of sightseeing, oblivious to the shadow that had just fallen over their adventure. He couldn't tell her, not yet. Not until he understood the full scope of this new threat, especially after the chilling revelation about her connection to the Gamoras.

"Everything alright, Hans?" Sadie’s voice, warm and concerned, pulled him back.

He forced a smile, tucking the telegram into his inner jacket pocket. "Just a business call, darling. Nothing to worry about." He hesitated, the lie tasting like ash. "Actually, there might be a slight change of plans. It seems we need to head to Istanbul. Urgently."