"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Saint

I adjusted my tie, the silk feeling a bit too tight against my throat. Nerves, I supposed. It wasn't every day you had a meeting that could potentially change the trajectory of your entire business. Marcus's office building loomed before me, all glass and steel, a monument to corporate success. I took a deep breath, reminding myself of all the prep work Max and I had put in. We knew our strengths, we knew our value proposition, and we were damn good at what we did. *And I loved it.* The adrenaline rush of the high-stakes game, the satisfaction of a job well done, the challenge of protecting those who needed it – it was in my blood.

The receptionist, a polished woman with a smile as bright as her lipstick, greeted me with practiced efficiency. "Mr. Stone? Mr. Thorne is expecting you. Please have a seat, and I'll let him know you've arrived."

I settled into one of the plush chairs in the waiting area, trying to project an air of calm confidence. My gaze swept over the pristine surroundings, taking in the abstract art on the walls, the low hum of conversation from behind closed doors, the subtle scent of expensive coffee. This was a world of high stakes and even higher expectations.

A few minutes later, the receptionist reappeared. "Mr. Thorne will see you now. Please follow me."

She led me down a carpeted hallway, past a series of closed doors with discreet nameplates. Finally, she stopped before a set of imposing double doors. With a soft knock, she opened one and announced, "Mr. Stone is here, Mr. Thorne."

I stepped into the office, my senses immediately taking in the details. It was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. The furnishings were sleek and modern, but there was a surprising warmth to the space, thanks to the rich wood tones and strategically placed artwork. Behind a massive mahogany desk sat Marcus Thorne himself, and beside him, in one of the guest chairs, was Veronica Bennett.

My first impression of her was even more striking in person. She was undeniably beautiful, of course, but it was more than that. There was an intelligence in her eyes, a quiet strength in the way she held herself. She observed me with a frank curiosity that both intrigued and unsettled me. I also noticed a hint of weariness around her eyes, a shadow that seemed at odds with the poise she projected.

"Mr. Stone," Marcus greeted me, rising from his chair with a warm smile. "Thank you for coming in. And please, call me Marcus." He gestured towards Veronica. "I believe you've already met Ms. Bennett?"

"We haven't formally met," I said, extending my hand towards her. "It's a pleasure, Ms. Bennett."

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She took my hand, her grip firm and surprisingly warm. "Veronica," she corrected gently. "Please, call me Veronica."

"Veronica," I repeated, a small smile playing on my lips. The formalities were dispensed with quickly, and I found myself taking a seat across from them, the weight of their gazes settling upon me. I subtly assessed the room, noting the placement of the chairs, the clear sightlines, the single exit. Old habits die hard.

"So, Mr. Stone," Marcus began, settling back into his chair, "I've heard good things about Guardian Shield. Your reputation for discretion precedes you."

"Thank you, Marcus," I replied. "Discretion is paramount in our line of work, especially when dealing with clients like Veronica." I glanced at her, catching her eye for a brief moment. "We understand the importance of maintaining a low profile, of blending into the background rather than attracting attention."

Veronica nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That's precisely what I'm looking for. I need a security team that can protect me without making me feel like I'm living in a fishbowl."

"We understand that," I reiterated. "Our approach is holistic. We focus on threat assessment and preventative measures, anticipating potential problems before they arise. We believe in being proactive, not reactive."

Marcus leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Tell me more about your preventative measures. What makes Guardian Shield different from other security firms?"

I launched into our prepared pitch, outlining our specialized training, our experience with high-profile clients, and our commitment to discretion. I emphasized our focus on understanding each client's unique needs and tailoring our services accordingly. I spoke about our advance teams, our threat assessment protocols, and our ability to handle everything from paparazzi to potential stalkers. As I spoke, I couldn't help but notice Veronica's attentiveness. She listened intently, her eyes never leaving my face, and I had the feeling she was assessing me just as much as she was assessing our company. This wasn't just a business meeting; it was an audition. I could feel the weight of her gaze, the unspoken questions behind her thoughtful expression. It wasn't just about whether we could do the job; it was about whether we were the *right* people to do it. And I knew, instinctively, that she was looking for more than just muscle; she was looking for someone she could trust.

"Well, Mr. Stone," Marcus said, leaning back with a thoughtful expression, "I must say, I'm impressed. Your approach is certainly thorough."

"Thank you," I replied, trying to maintain a professional demeanor despite the surge of hope I felt.

Marcus turned to Veronica. "What do you think, Veronica? Do you have any questions for Mr. Stone?"

She met my gaze, her expression unreadable. "Actually, I do." Her voice was calm, measured, but I could sense the underlying intensity. "You talk a lot about preventative measures and threat assessment. Can you give me a specific example of how you would handle a potential threat at, say, a public event?"

I welcomed the opportunity to showcase our expertise. I described a hypothetical scenario involving a crowded charity gala, a potential stalker in the crowd, and the subtle strategies we would employ to neutralize the threat without causing a scene or alarming the client. I detailed how our agents would blend into the environment, how we'd use surveillance technology discreetly, and how we'd coordinate with the venue's security personnel. As I spoke, I could see Veronica's expression shift from skepticism to cautious interest.

When I finished, she nodded slowly. "That's...reassuring. But it's all hypothetical. I need to see how you operate in the real world."

Marcus chuckled. "Always the pragmatist, Veronica. I like that." He turned to me. "Mr. Stone, would Guardian Shield be amenable to a trial run? We have a children's charity event this evening. It would be a good opportunity for you to demonstrate your capabilities in a real-world setting."

I didn't hesitate. "Absolutely, Marcus. We're confident in our abilities, and we're happy to prove ourselves." I glanced at Veronica, a hint of a challenge in my eyes. "We're ready when you are."

Veronica met my gaze, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher crossing her face. "Alright then," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "Let's see what you can do."

As the details of the evening's arrangements were finalized, a surge of adrenaline coursed through me. This was it. This was our chance to prove ourselves, to land a client that could elevate Guardian Shield to a whole new level. But more than that, I felt a strange sense of anticipation, a feeling that this was more than just a business deal. This was the beginning of something...different.