Playbirds Continental No 49 -

Elias looked around the room—the smoke, the ghosts of the Cold War, the silent 'Playbirds' watching from the shadows. The Continental No. 49 was a place where stories ended, but as they stood to leave, he realized theirs was just beginning.

He didn't turn. He knew the scent: jasmine and cold rain. It was Clara, the most dangerous of the flock. She slipped into the leather booth beside him, her silk dress shimmering like oil on water. Playbirds Continental No 49

Elias adjusted his cufflink, the gold catching the amber glow of the chandelier. He wasn’t here for the cognac, though the 1948 vintage in his glass was exceptional. He was here for the —the legendary underground network of informants who operated out of the club’s high-stakes card rooms. "You’re late, Elias," a voice purred. Elias looked around the room—the smoke, the ghosts