The heavy electronic mechanism groaned as the rear passenger door swung outward, cutting a sharp, imposing arc through the afternoon air. Elena pressed her back flat against the cold brick wall of the campus building, her lungs seizing. She prepared to scream, her eyes scanning the desolate curb for any sign of life.
But the figure who stepped out of the dark vehicle did not belong to a nameless mercenary or a street thug.
It was a mountain of a man clad in a crisp, dark tactical suit, a earpiece tucked discreetly into his ear. Elena recognized him instantly—it was Miller, the head of Alexander’s advanced personal security detachment.
"Miss Ross, please step inside the vehicle immediately," Miller urged, his voice tight, his eyes scanning the surrounding rooftops and tree lines with a f
