Chapter 1 – New York Field Office
The elevator doors slid open inside the FBI New York Field Office.
Agents moved fast through the bullpen, phones ringing, analysts talking over computer monitors.
I stepped into the room and instantly felt the familiar shift.
People noticed.
Some because of the suit.
Others because they had read my file.
Across the room stood Maggie Bell and Omar Adom Zidan, studying a crime board filled with photos.
When Isobel Castille saw me she walked over.
"Agent Cross," she said.
Her voice was calm but observant.
"You're earlier than expected."
"I prefer it that way," I replied.
She studied me for a moment.
"You built half of Manhattan… and before that you were Delta Force."
I shrugged slightly.
"Turns out both jobs require knowing how things are put together… and how to take them apart."
She nodded once.
"Good. Because we've got a problem."