Page 56 of Close Protection

"Chief Marten has established secure observation points near Knox's primary properties," Morgan reported. "Trusted officers only, communication through encrypted channels. Any unusual movement will be reported immediately."

Ivy closed the laptop, satisfied with the deployment. "Now we wait."

"Not here," Julia decided. "Too exposed for extended presence. We monitor remotely and maintain movement patterns to avoid detection."

Lavender gestured toward a tablet separate from their secure network. "First mediaindicators. Financial blogs are already picking up chatter about regulatory inquiry into eastern district property holdings."

They gathered around the screen, watching as the information began its journey into public awareness. The coverage was still speculative and fragmentary, but gathering momentum—exactly as Ivy had predicted. The first threads of Knox's tapestry were being pulled, the intricate pattern beginning to unravel.

"It's working," Morgan said, a note of surprise in her voice.

"Of course it's working," Lavender replied. "Financial forensics meets tactical deployment. Elegant solution."

Ivy felt Julia's presence at her shoulder, close enough that her breath stirred the hair near Ivy's ear. "Impressive," she murmured, the quiet approval warming Ivy more than it should have.

"Phase one is just the beginning," Ivy reminded her, maintaining professional focus despite the proximity. "Knox's initial response will be contained and measured. The real test comes with phase two, when he realizes the pattern of disclosure."

"We'll be ready." Julia checked her weapon, a habit that seemed as unconscious as breathing for her. "Time to move. Same security protocols for exit, staggered departure."

As they packed the equipment, Ivy caught Julia watching her, her expression thoughtful. "What?"

"You're different here," she said. "In your element."

"So are you," Ivy countered. "When you stop trying to control everything except the tactical variables, that is."

She almost smiled. "We should get back to review the monitoring data in a secure location."

Ivy recognized the deflection but didn't challenge it. They'd found a professional rhythm, a functional partnership that transcended the morning's awkwardness. It wasn't what they'd shared in the night, but it was sustainable, effective.

As they prepared to leave, Lavender caught Ivy's arm, her expression more serious than during their previous meeting.

"Knox is even more dangerous when cornered than when hunting," she said quietly. "What you're doing is necessary, but the risk increases exponentially with each phase."

"Most predators are dangerous when cornered," Ivy replied. "But they're also predictable."

Lavender studied her for a moment, then glanced toward Julia who was conducting a final security check. "You two make an interesting team," she observed, voice too low for anyone else to hear. "Different methods, same determination."

Before Ivy could respond, Lavender released her arm and moved toward the door. "Same exit route as planned. Kitchen doorway leads to the service alley. My people will ensure it's clear."

Ivy followed Julia through the kitchen exit, emerging into the alley behind the café. The evening air carried the first hint of autumn chill, city sounds muffled by the Heights district's tree-lined streets. Operation Bait had been launched. The first pieces of evidence were spreading through digital channels, beginning their work of destabilizing Knox's carefully constructed empire.

For the first time since discovering the office break-in that had started this journey,Ivy felt something like control returning. Patterns were her language, financial systems her native terrain. They had transformed her expertise from liability to asset.

And somewhere across Phoenix Ridge, Vincent Knox was about to discover that the witness he'd been hunting was now hunting him.

Dusk had fallen by the time they left Lavender's, transforming Phoenix Ridge's skyline into a jagged silhouette punctuated by golden windows and silver-blue office towers. Julia guided them through three direction changes and two separate transportation modes before she was satisfied they weren't being followed. Her vigilance never wavered, eyes constantly scanning rooftops, passing vehicles, and shadowed doorways—even as the Heights district gave way to downtown, then transitioned to the historic neighborhood where her apartment building stood.

They walked the final six blocks, Julia setting a pace that appeared casual toobservers but covered ground efficiently. Ivy matched her stride, their footsteps falling into unconscious synchronization. The distance between them remained carefully maintained—professional rather than personal—but something had shifted since their strategy session at Lavender's.

"Stock market's closing," Ivy noted, checking the secure monitoring app on her phone. "First indicators should be visible."

Julia guided them around a corner, positioning herself between Ivy and the street. "Anything?"

"Minor fluctuations in Knox's legitimate holdings," Ivy reported, scanning the financial data. "Still within normal trading patterns. The real movement will come after the first media reports consolidate the infrastructure connection."

The converted firehouse appeared ahead, its brick facade warmed by the last glow of sunset. Julia paused at the corner, conducting a final surveillance check before approaching the building.

"Clear," she decided, nodding toward the side entrance that bypassed the main lobby. "But we maintain full security protocols inside."

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