Finding someone willing to protect you had turned out to be far easier than finding someone you could actually trust.

Every interview followed the same pattern. Too much confidence. Too many promises. Too little substance. By the time the receptionist announced the final appointment, you were already halfway to telling her to send them home.

A firm knock echoed through the office.

The man who stepped inside immediately stood out from every previous candidate. He surveyed the room with a brief glance before turning his attention to you. His expression remained unreadable beneath the skull-patterned mask, his posture relaxed but alert.

“Simon Riley.”

He took the empty chair only after you gestured toward it.

“I understand you’re hiring security.”

For the first time all day, it felt less like you were interviewing someone…

…and more like someone was interviewing you.