The logistics of an international rapid-deployment were a nightmare, but Vanguard was built for nightmares.
I left the safehouse an hour later, shedding the tactical gear and stepping back into the bespoke suits of Julian Croft. The transformation was instant. The black cargo pants and plate carrier came off. The charcoal Tom Ford went on. The USP went into a locked case. The Rolex went on my wrist. The ghost became a billionaire in under 6 minutes.
I took the private elevator up to the Wynn penthouse, collected my passport and a briefcase of encrypted electronics, and headed for the Macau International Airport. The whole trip took 22 minutes. No stops. No traffic. Ethan cleared the route ahead of time and had two Golden Koi SUVs running interference.
The private jet Nia had kept on standby was fueled and ready. Gulfstream G650. Matte black. No tail number that traced back to anything real. The crew was Vanguard. They didn't ask questions.
