al lobby of The Astor Grand, th

doors and every ground-level exit. The electronic locks hissed and set. Several Wall Street exec

rity sweep," Colin announced, his tone flat and unyi

iece, speaking in a low, clipped cadence to his dispatch. "Focus on service corridors and dro

ehind the front desk partitions. Alicia emerged at a mea

covered. Outside the glass entrance, however, a yellow taxi had just pulled up, its tailpipe puffing white vapor

ready checking credentials. Walking

ne face-down against her ear, and let a f

so long?" Her voice rang out brigh

ng straight for the side door where a guard was moment

n stepping in. The businessman paused on the threshold, blinking in confusi

lock the guard's line of sight, and slipped through

use me-" th

et!" Colin's voice echoe

lready clicked into lockdown, forcing the lead officer to fumbl

d open the cab's rear door, and slid onto th

ing a piece of gum. "Hey, lady,

the door shut with a solid thud. "Unless y

men in dark suits charging down the granite st

ross the frosted driveway, fishtailing into the morning tra

nd exhaust. He keyed his mic immediately. "Sir. Sh

mie had taken the private lift down, tossing his overcoat into the pa

he wheel, cutting into the morn