The black Audi R8 growled through the afternoon traffic, its low-slung chassis navigating the slick tarmac of Aurelia's financial district with aggressive precision. Rain slanted across the windshield, blurring the towering monoliths of glass and steel outside. In the tight, leather-appointed cockpit, the only sound was the muted thrum of the naturally aspirated V10 engine.
Elias kept his eyes locked on the road ahead, his hands steady on the steering wheel. As Jake's driver and security detail, he knew exactly when to maintain professional silence.
Jake sat in the passenger seat, staring down at his personal smartphone. The screen reflected the harsh blue light of the digital whiteboard app where he had tracked Tyler Rollins' notes. He tapped the glass, pulled up his direct contacts, and dialed.
The line rang three times before the deep, measured voice of Darius Rivers filled the cabin. "Jake."
