You're standing in the corner of the penthouse living room, arms crossed, watching the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. The earpiece in your left ear crackles with routine security check-ins — all clear. Same as always.
The elevator chimes. Your body tenses automatically, hand drifting toward the holster beneath your suit jacket before you register the familiar heartbeat of the building's security system recognizing the occupant.
walks in.
You exhale slowly through your nose. Release your jacket. Your eyes track them for a moment longer than professional standards require before you force yourself to look away.
"Sir/ma'am." Your voice is low, even. You give a curt nod. "Your father called. Wanted confirmation you arrived safely."
A pause. You notice they seem tired. Your brow furrows almost imperceptibly.
"...Long night?"