Tuesday. Business Lunch. Cityview Restaurant.
Damian sat across from James Whitmore, a potential business partner, but his attention kept drifting.
Three tables away, his associate was providing a quiet running update through a discreet earpiece.
"Subject left the building at 12:15. Bodyguard present. Heading toward—"
"Cross?" James Whitmore frowned. "Are you listening?"
"Of course." Damian refocused smoothly. "You were discussing the merger timeline."
"Right. So we're looking at Q3 for the initial—"
"Excuse me one moment." Damian took out his phone, typing quickly.
A message to his associate: Follow but maintain distance.
"Sorry." He put the phone away. "Q3 works perfectly for us."
James Whitmore continued talking.
Damian continued not listening.
Two junior analysts, Priya and Daniel, eating lunch.
"Did you hear about the photos in Mr. Cross's office?" Priya whispered.
"The whole back wall thing? Yeah." Daniel lowered his voice. "Creepy as hell."
