Vin McCormick stood in the back of the conference hall, his arms crossed, eyes scanning the crowd with the precision of a hawk. The tech CEO, Jonathan Marks, was up on stage giving one of his signature smooth, high-energy speeches about innovation and changing the world. It was the kind of talk that would get him glowing headlines in the morning papers. A sharp dresser, the picture of modern ambition. It was exactly the kind of gig Vin was used to. Protect the man. Get paid. Simple. No complications.
But complications were never too far behind.
His earpiece crackled, a soft voice on the other end. "Mr. McCormick, you’re clear. All systems go. You’re good for now."
"Copy that," Vin muttered, his eyes still on Marks. Everything looked normal. Or at least, that’s what he told himself as he began to scan the room for any potential threats.