Chapter 326: Into the Spotlight
The morning air was crisp as our car pulled up to the private terminal of the airport. I got into our prepared limousine, watching the familiar skyline of home slowly disappear behind us, replaced by the sterile efficiency of airport infrastructure. In the seat across from me, Evelyn sat with her characteristic composure, her black blindfold in place, a briefcase of documents balanced on her lap. She’d agreed to come as both my secretary and as living proof of the Cain Protocol experiments, a reminder to the world leaders of what unchecked power could create and to prevent any leaders from denying what had happened.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked her for what must have been the tenth time since we’d left the apartment.
"Rey," she said with a slight smile, "I’ve spent years aiding the government and seeing what they’ve been doing behind everyone’s back. Maybe it’s time the world saw the consequences of their choices."
The car came to a stop, and I could see the sleek outline of a government jet through the terminal windows. But what caught my attention more was the figure standing near the boarding area—a man in an absolutely ridiculous Hawaiian shirt and cargo pants, somehow managing to look both completely out of place and entirely comfortable with that fact.
"Anthony," I muttered, shaking my head as we got out of the car.
He turned at the sound of our approach, grinning broadly. "Hey, Boss. Ready for the diplomatic circus?"
"Anthony," I said, gesturing at his outfit, "we’re going to Switzerland. Where they announced that it might be snowing. To meet with world leaders. And you’re dressed for a beach vacation."
He looked down at his shirt showing a vibrant pattern of palm trees and surfboards against a sunset orange background and he simply shrugged. "What? It’s comfortable. Plus, nobody ever suspects the guy in the Hawaiian shirt of being a spy."
"That’s because actual spies don’t wear Hawaiian shirts to international diplomatic meetings."
"Exactly. It’s the perfect disguise." He adjusted his cargo pants with apparent pride. "Besides, I’ve got everything I need in these pockets. Surveillance equipment, communication devices, emergency supplies, snacks—"
"Snacks?"