The Second Coming of Atlas Prime

Chapter 4

The morning sun beat down on Atlas as the queue inched forward. Hours passed, and the line of hopeful applicants dwindled. Finally, Atlas reached the front, where a bored security guard checked his identification before waving him through the gates.

The mansion's exterior had always been impressive, but the interior took luxury to another level. A young woman in a crisp uniform led him through a maze of corridors to a waiting area outside a grand office.

"Mr. Reed? They're ready for you now."

Atlas straightened his tie and followed her into the interview room. He'd prepared himself to face some mid-level manager, perhaps even Aaron if luck was with him. What he hadn't expected was the woman sitting behind the mahogany desk, her nails tapping impatiently on its polished surface.

Hannah Hargreaves.

His heart thundered against his ribcage, but his face, remained pleasantly neutral. She looked more refined than five years ago, her blonde hair styled in an elegant bob, designer clothes highlighting her slender frame. But her eyes remained the same. It was cold, calculating, and entitled.

"James Reed?" She didn't look up from his resume.

"Yes, ma'am." Atlas kept his voice steady, adopting the respectful tone of a man who knew his place in the hierarchy.

"Security experience with the Montgomerys and the Crawfords?" She raised an eyebrow, finally looking at him. "Impressive references."

Atlas nodded, standing straight-backed before her desk. He noticed with grim amusement that no chair had been provided for him. The message was clear: applicants weren't worthy of comfort in the Finnegan household.

Hannah studied him with the detached interest one might give a racehorse before placing a bet. "You understand the Finnegan name carries certain... expectations. We're not just any family."

"I'm well aware of the Finnegan reputation, Ms. Hargreaves." Atlas let a hint of admiration color his voice. "It would be an honor to serve such a distinguished household."

She seemed pleased by his recognition of her, despite not having introduced herself. Typical Hannah, assuming everyone knew who she was. He remembered how she'd preened under attention, how she'd light up when complimented just so.

That's when an idea struck him. Bold, dangerous, perfect.

"Your file." She extended her hand.

Atlas stepped forward, handing over the folder. As she took it, he allowed his fingers to graze hers, just the slightest touch, deliberate yet seemingly accidental. The contact lasted less than a second, but he felt her hand tremble faintly.

He stepped back, a smile playing on his lips.

Hannah cleared her throat, a faint flush coloring her cheeks. "So, Mr. Reed, tell me why you left the Crawfords after only eight months."

"They preferred a static approach to security. I believe protection requires adaptation, anticipation. You can't safeguard someone properly if you're not one step ahead of potential threats."

Hannah's eyes flickered with interest. "And how would you approach security for the Finnegan family?"

Atlas leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a confidence. "I'd begin by understanding what matters most to each family member. Security isn't just physical protection, it's ensuring peace of mind."

He straightened again. "For example, I imagine your upcoming wedding is a top priority. I'd ensure every contingency is covered, from guest screening to emergency protocols, all while remaining invisible. The best security is never noticed until needed."

Hannah tilted her head, studying him with newfound curiosity. "You've done your research."

"I believe preparation is essential in this line of work."

"And what about personal security? Would you be comfortable with... close protection duties?"

Atlas caught the undertone in her question, the slight shift in her posture. She was testing him, seeing how he'd respond. He remembered exactly how to play this game with her.

"My job is to protect, Ms. Hargreaves. Whether that means standing at a distance or remaining close enough to intervene in a split second, I adapt to whatever the situation requires."

Her lips curved into a smile. "Impressive answer, Mr. Reed."

The interview continued, but the dynamic had shifted. Hannah asked increasingly personal questions under the guise of security concerns. Atlas responded with carefully calculated answers that revealed just enough of James Reed to intrigue her, while subtly appealing to what he knew Hannah desired, attention, flattery, the thrill of feeling powerful.

"Final question, Mr. Reed. What would you do if you discovered a threat within the household itself?"

Atlas met her gaze steadily. "I'd eliminate it before it could cause harm."

A moment of silence stretched between them.

"Well." Hannah closed his file. "I believe we've found our new head of security for the wedding preparations."

Atlas blinked in surprise. "Head of security? I was applying for a regular position."

"I make the decisions here, Mr. Reed. And I've decided you're exactly what we need." She stood, extending her hand. "Welcome to the Finnegan household."

He shook it firmly, suppressing the urge to crush her delicate fingers in his grip.

"There's just one more thing." Hannah scribbled something on a business card. "I'd like to discuss some... specific security concerns for the wedding. Come to my private suite this evening, eight o'clock. We can speak more freely there."

She handed him the card with her room number, her fingers lingering on his longer than necessary.

"I look forward to it," Atlas replied, taking the card.

As he turned to leave, a genuine smile spread across his face. The mansion doors closed behind him, and he whispered to himself, "Oh boy. The wolves invited the hunter into their den. Now the hunt begins."