Page 34 of Before Dawn

That was exactly the kind of initiative I valued. “Perfect. Keep me updated as things progress.”

“Of course, Mr. Suarez. Everything will run smoothly while you’re away, and I’ll have the documents ready for your approval.” Her confident smile left no roomfor doubt.

“Good. I’ll expect a detailed report when I return.”

She turned to leave, but I stopped her, grabbing the folder from my desk. “I reviewed the profiles. Some candidates look promising, others not so much. We’ll get a clearer picture during the in-person interviews.”

She took the folder with a nod. “Got it.”

As the door clicked shut behind her, my phone lit up with a string of messages from the group chat.

Reyes: I’m headed to the gym, who’s coming?

Alex: i’ll be there.

Dill: Busy, sorry.

Ro: i’m coming.

Me: Wrapping up at the office. I’ll be there soon.

Luci: i’m with my wife, so no.

Ro: we KNOWyou’re married,fratello10.

Ro:stop rubbing it in.

Luci: Never.

Reyes: Perfect.

Dill: Why do you all go to the gym anyway?

Ro: we go toyourgym.

Dill: I don’t recall asking that. I was alluding to the fact that you are all in perfect shape but never mind.

Ro: oh. love you.

Dill: I truly wish the feeling was mutual.

Ro: you’re missing out.

Dill: Sure I am.

Dill: Have funworking out.

I swiped out of the group chat just as Morison walked into my office, a thick folder in his hands.

“You’ve got that meeting with the investors in Chicago after you leave California,” he said, dropping the folder on my desk. “Final list came in.”

I leaned back in my chair, glancing at the folder but not reaching for it yet. “Anyone I need to worry about?”

Morison smirked. “Damon Ashford’s there, along with Cataleya Nguyen. And Marissa Lyle, from Sterling Ventures.”

That caught my attention. “Lyle? She’s in media and tech. Why’s she suddenly interested in transport?”

“She’s pivoting,” Morison said, crossing his arms. “Wants a foothold in transportation. She’s got big money and is itching to spend it.”

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