As Jay stepped outside the grand ballroom of the hotel, the cool night air greeted him, offering a momentary respite from the stifling atmosphere within. The imposing figures of the guards stationed at the entrance nodded respectfully as he passed, their vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Excuse me," Jay began, his voice steady as he approached the nearest guard. "Did you happen to see Erica Johnson leave the ballroom?" he inquired, his tone measured but urgent.
The guard, a burly man with a stern expression, nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, sir. She headed in that direction just a few minutes ago," he replied, gesturing down the dimly lit pathway that led away from the hotel.
Jay's heart quickened at the mention of Erica's name, a surge of anticipation coursing through him. Witho
