The television studio stood several blocks away from the main commercial district, tucked between two older office buildings whose windows reflected the pale winter sky. Snow had been falling since early morning. The sidewalks outside were already dusted with a thin layer of white that crunched underfoot as Franz stepped out of the car.
The driver closed the door behind him while a production assistant waited near the entrance.
"Good morning, Mr. Hart," the assistant said, holding the glass door open. "They're finishing rehearsal inside."
Franz nodded once and stepped into the building.
Warm air met him immediately. The heating system worked harder than necessary to counter the cold outside, and the faint scent of coffee and electrical equipment hung in the hallway. Technicians moved briskly between rooms carrying cables and small cases. A narrow corridor led toward the studio floor where the bright spill of stage lights washed across the walls.
