Beneath the surface

Chapter two

Ava stood beside Ethan, reviewing his busy schedule for the day. He sat at the dining table, sipping his coffee and eating a slice of toast. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the sharp lines of his face.

"Today's agenda includes a meeting with your financial advisor at 10 am, followed by a lunch meeting with potential investors," Ava said, her voice professional and efficient.

Ethan nodded, his eyes scanning the schedule. "Good. Make sure I'm prepared for both meetings. I don't want any surprises."

Ava nodded, making a mental note to review the meeting materials and brief him thoroughly.

As Ava and Ethan walked out of the meeting room, heading towards the car for their lunch meeting, Ava's earpiece crackled to life. "Ava, we need you to report to HQ immediately. There's a situation that requires your attention."

Ava's eyes flicked to Ethan, who was engrossed in his phone. She quickly responded to her handler, confirming the meeting details.

"Excuse me, sir," Ava said, turning to Ethan. "I need to make a quick stop on the way to lunch. I'll be right back."

Ethan looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What's the stop for?"

Ava thought quickly. "I need to pick up some documents from my storage unit. It's on the way to the restaurant."

Ethan's gaze lingered on her face, and Ava wondered if he suspected something. But he nodded finally. "Make it quick. We're already running late."

Ava nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She would be able to attend the meeting and still fulfill her duties as Ethan's assistant. As they walked towards the car, Ava's mind was racing with possibilities. What was the situation that required her attention? And how would she handle it without blowing her cover?

Ava rushed into the headquarters, out of breath. "You're late," her boss said, eyes narrowing. "We've been waiting for you."

Ava apologized, taking her seat. "Sorry, sir. Traffic was a nightmare."

Her boss handed her a folder. "You have six months to bring Ethan Ryder down. We've got evidence of his involvement in human trafficking, and we need you to get closer to him."

Ava nodded, her mind racing. As she was hurrying out after the meeting, she bumped into Emily, her childhood best friend and handler.

"Hey, girl! How's it going?" Emily asked, smiling.

Ava quickly filled her in on her mission. "I've got to get close to Ethan, gather evidence, and bring him down."

Emily's expression turned serious. "Be careful, Ava. Ethan's not someone to mess with."

Just then, Ava's phone buzzed with a text from Ethan: "You're late."

"I've got to go," Ava said, dashing out. "Talk to you later!"

"Be safe!" Emily shouted after her.

Ava hailed another cab and headed to Ethan's location, her mind racing with possibilities. What lay ahead in her mission?