Friday morning arrived under a pale, overcast sky. By eleven-thirty, two metallic-black Maybach SUVs sat idling silently in the subterranean VIP garage of Zenith Tower, their sleek profiles illuminated by the overhead LED strips.
Jake stood near the lead vehicle in a dark charcoal knit sweater, checking a document on his tablet. Flanking the perimeter were his two personal security detail members, Elias and Miller—tall, stone-faced, and attentive to every shadow in the bay.
Nearby, two other bodyguards, Kovacs and Sarah, stood near the secondary SUV. Sarah held a small leather travel pouch, while Kovacs double-checked the secure luggage compartments. They were assigned specifically to Jake's younger sister, Aliya.
The VIP elevator chimed, its doors sliding open smoothly.
Aliya marched out, dragging a sleek white carry-on suitcase, her face painted with absolute triumph. Right beside her was her high school best friend, Fancy.
