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At that moment, I found my gaze drifting away from the conversation, the joyful anecdotes, and the reminders of responsibilities. I silently retreated into a quiet corner of my mind, where I could let my worries fade into the background for a little while.
That's when I noticed the Seattle skyline. It was visible through the massive windows of the Seascape, the iconic structures etched against a clear blue sky, casting a soft glow over us. I watched as the bustling and tranquil city seemed to pulse with life, oblivious to the trials I was embroiled in. It was a poignant reminder of the world outside, carrying on regardless of our personal tribulations.
I took in the tranquility of the moment, savoring the taste of my gourmet lunch, the sound of Jenna's laughter, and the comforting presence of Dylan. But beneath my calm exterior, I knew I was on the clock. My gaze frequently flitted to my wristwatch, keeping track of time, wondering if Brad and my protectors had arrived. I couldn't afford to let my guard down. I had a vital mission to finish.
The afternoon slipped into a comfortable rhythm. We reminisced, laughed, and shared stories over our meals. However, I was keenly aware of the hours dwindling away, the minutes ticking by. I glanced at the elegant gold watch around my wrist—again. It was time!
"I'll be right back," I said, excusing myself. I saw a flicker of concern in Jenna's eyes but dismissed it with a reassuring smile. As I left the table, I felt the weight of their gaze, a silent reminder of the normalcy I yearned for.
I walked toward the women's restroom, my heels clicking on the tiled floor as my heart thumped widely. In the relative privacy of the restroom, I paused in front of the large mirror. My reflection stared back at me—calm, poised, dressed in a chic blouse and tailored pants. But beneath the polished exterior, I felt a rush of different emotions. Fear, determination, and a sense of responsibility swirled within me, reminding me that I was a woman on a mission, about to face one of the most significant challenges yet.
With deft fingers, I began to prepare for what lay ahead. I slipped the wire into place, tucking it beneath my blouse. The metallic chill of the wire against my skin sent a shiver through me—an ominous reminder of what was at stake.
I then took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts and my courage. As I whispered into the wire, "This is Courtney. Can you hear me?" my voice echoed softly around the quiet restroom as I awaited a response.
The following moments of silence felt like an eternity until the reassuring voices of Butch and Dave came through. "We can hear you loud and clear, Courtney. We're in position."
Their confirmation was a lifeline, anchoring me back to reality. It was happening. It was real. The gravity of the situation was undeniable, but so was my resolve. I traced my fingers over the wire one more time, its cold presence serving as a grounding force.
One last look at my reflection, and I knew I was ready. Returning to the table, I advised Jenna and Dylan it was best for them to head up to their room, perhaps for their own safety.
I found myself in the vast expanse of the lobby, feigning interest in my phone's screen as the wait wore on. Each passing minute was a ticking bomb, a step closer to meeting the man who was the nightmare incarnate.
Suddenly, the lobby's revolving doors swung around with an air of intimidating authority. In strode Clint Tyree, every inch the sinister figure I'd heard stories about. Like the calm before the storm, his dark eyes scanned the crowd before landing on me. His silhouette, a towering figure amidst the flurry of unsuspecting hotel guests, demanded attention. It was as though the devil himself had stepped into the room.
He moved toward me with the cocky swagger of a man who believed himself untouchable. His grin was wide, too wide—a smug smirk that made my skin crawl. Without so much as a word, he dropped himself into the chair next to mine, an occasional table standing sentinel between us. The proximity did nothing to soften the tension. Instead, it felt like a challenge, a silent declaration of the battle to come.
“Hello, Ms. Thompson.” Clint began, his voice smooth as he sat beside me. His eyes flickered with an odd interest, making me slightly uncomfortable.
“Hello, it's a pleasure seeing you again, Mr. Tyree." I extended a hand toward him, putting on my best professional smile. Clint's grip was firm, perhaps a bit too tight, but I shook it off, focusing on the mission.
"You know, Ms. Thompson, I've heard a lot about you," Clint started, his voice low and almost friendly. "You come highly recommended. Quite the impressive resume. And, of course, I have first-hand experience working with you at Rosedale."
"Thank you, yes, that's right, Mr. Tyree. It seems like just yesterday. But I believe we're here to discuss a potential partnership on a new security app project, aren't we? I'm interested in getting back to work developing software." I kept my voice steady, meeting his gaze evenly. Clint seemed to be impressed, if not taken aback a bit by my direct approach.
"Indeed," he responded, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. "You certainly don't beat around the bush, do you?"
"No time for that, I'm afraid," I replied lightly, batting my lashes. "There's a lot to accomplish and too little time. I have other interviews scheduled in the next few days and am eager to get started back to work after traveling. So, shall we discuss the specifics of the project?"
Clint's grin widened at this, seeming to appreciate my straightforwardness. He leaned back in his chair, nodding in agreement. "Fair enough, Ms. Thompson. Let's dive right in, then."
As the discussion about the project unfolded, I consciously navigated it toward the necessary details, tactfully sidelining any unrelated comments Clint tried to weave in. His smugness was unnerving, but the mental image of Brad and the entire Rosedale crew helped me maintain a composed and professional demeanor, ensuring the conversation stayed focused.
His eyes, however, kept drifting toward my engagement ring, a clear indication of his intrusive curiosity or his growing suspicion. I decided to address it head-on. "This?" I said, raising my hand to show off the ring. "Yes, I've recently become engaged."
Clint raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Lucky man!"
"Yes, he is," I replied, looking Clint directly in the eyes. "Now, shall we get back on topic? You were discussing a new security app for a company you have a contract with, right?'
"The app is in development."
"I'm sure you recall you and I worked together at Rosedale on a grant for a similar app design before you had to leave on a family emergency.”
"Yes, of course. One of the very reasons I was trying to contact you." Tyree hung on to the word 'one' a bit longer than necessary, so I played along.
Leaning forward, faking interest, I moistened my lips, "And what company, exactly, is your contract with?"
Shifting in his seat, he eagerly volunteered the words I'd been waiting for. "Valley Technologies. They are located in San Jose, I'm proud to say."
