CHAPTER 4: Marcus Comes Through the Doors

Marcus Reed did not rush.
He closed the SUV door behind him, adjusted the black tie under his collar, and walked toward the revolving entrance with the calm discipline of a man who had ended problems more expensive than Benjamin Hale.
His earpiece caught the daylight. His expression gave nothing away.
The revolving doors carried him into the lobby naturally, one step at a time, from outside to inside, as every eye followed him.
Staff members straightened as he crossed the marble floor.
Benjamin’s smile faded at the edges.
Marcus stopped several feet from Ava and inclined his head with formal respect.
“Ms. Carter,” he said. “Your father sent me.”
The words changed the room.
Not loudly.
Cleanly.
Like a blade passing through ribbon.
Benjamin looked from Marcus to Ava, then back again.
“Wait,” he said. “Ms. Carter?”