Chapter 49
The night of the gala arrived, cloaking the Virginia estate in a cool, dark autumn chill. Senator Thorne’s mansion was an opulent display of generational wealth and unbridled political power. Expensive luxury cars lined the expansive, curving driveway, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the low murmur of political bartering.
Nathan and Sarah arrived in a sleek black town car, stepping out into the blinding flash of hired photographers. Nathan wore a perfectly tailored tuxedo, projecting an aura of effortless wealth, while Sarah looked stunning in a deep emerald evening gown that cleverly concealed her standard-issue FBI sidearm strapped securely to her thigh.
"Smile, Nathan," Sarah whispered through her teeth as they walked up the grand stone steps. "You're a wealthy venture capitalist from Seattle looking to invest in political futures. Remember the cover."
"I remember," Nathan replied softly, maintaining a polite, highly practiced smile.
Inside, the ballroom was magnificent, adorned with massive crystal chandeliers and towering floral arrangements. A string quartet played softly in the corner, completely drowning out the sinister truth of the man hosting the event. Senator Thorne was holding court near the massive fireplace, surrounded by sycophants and corporate lobbyists. He was a tall, imposing man with silver hair and a charismatic, incredibly deceptive smile.
Meanwhile, at the rear of the estate, a catering van pulled up to the service entrance. Michael and Claire stepped out, dressed flawlessly in the crisp white uniforms of the elite catering company hired for the evening. They carried large trays of champagne glasses, keeping their heads down and their expressions perfectly neutral.
"Radio check," Michael whispered into the microscopic earpiece hidden in his ear canal.
May you like
"Loud and clear," Ethan’s voice replied from the safehouse miles away. "I’ve temporarily looped the security cameras in the west service corridor. You have a three-minute window to cross into the sub-basement access stairwell. Go now."
Claire took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. She nodded to Michael. They pushed through the heavy double doors into the bustling, chaotic kitchen, seamlessly blending into the army of staff, moving deeper into the belly of the beast.
