Gio stood by the side entrance corridor, leaning against the wall next to the service door. The corridor was narrow. A light buzzed above him. He held his phone close to his ear and spoke quietly.
"I said no."
He paused to listen. "No. I'm not transferring anything."
His tone stayed calm. He didn't pace or seem upset. He spoke clearly, making statements instead of arguing.
The outer door at the end of the hallway opened with a soft click. Cold air swept across the tiled floor before the door closed again.
Franz walked in, brushing the night air from his coat sleeve. He had been outside for a short call. The courtyard had been empty when he went out, and it was still empty now.
He didn't notice Gio at first. He heard the voice before he saw the figure.
"...send it if you want," Gio said into the phone. "I'm not paying you."
Franz slowed. He didn't step back or clear his throat to announce himself. He paused a short distance from the turn in the hallway and listened.
