Chapter 5 - Among the Vultures
The ballroom was a sea of glittering diamonds, tailored tuxedos, and crystal champagne flutes.
At the center of the raised stage stood Julian Raldi, wearing a white tuxedo jacket, holding court with three city council members and the Chief of Police. Julian looked like a younger, slicker version of Vincent, but his smile was hollow, driven by frantic ambition.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Julian's voice boomed over the sound system. "In thirty minutes, we make history! The new Raldi Waterfront Development will replace the blighted, decaying ruins of Larkin Row with a three-billion-dollar luxury district!"
The crowd applauded politely.
Delaney glided through the crowd, taking a glass of sparkling water from a passing waiter's tray to keep her hands busy. She kept her eyes fixed on the AV booth located beneath the balcony at the far end of the room.
Two guards stood near the sound curtain, but their attention was focused on the open bar.
Delaney slipped behind a floral arrangement of white orchids, moving toward the rear tech corridor. Her pulse thundered in her ears, but she remembered Vincent’s words: People only see what money tells them to see.
"Excuse me, miss?" a harsh voice spoke behind her.
Delaney froze. She turned around slowly, adopting a cool, mildly annoyed expression.
It was Marco. He was wearing an ill-fitting tuxedo, his neck thick and scarred, his eyes scanning her face with sudden suspicion.
"Can I help you?" Delaney asked, her voice dropping into a crisp, polished register she had practiced all afternoon.
"This area is restricted to technical staff," Marco said, stepping closer. His eyes lingered on the sapphire necklace resting on her collarbone. He frowned. "I know that necklace. That belongs to—"
"It belongs to the Raldi estate," Delaney interrupted smoothly, taking a bold step toward him. "I am Miss Mercer, representing the primary overseas investment group. Mr. Julian Raldi asked me personally to verify that the media presentation was pre-loaded."
Marco’s eyes narrowed. "I didn't see your name on the security list."
"Then I suggest you check with Julian before you embarrass yourself," Delaney said cold, raising an eyebrow. "Unless you'd like me to tell him his chief of security spends his evenings harassing international partners?"
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For three agonizing seconds, Marco hesitated. Then, he bowed his head slightly. "Apologies, ma'am. Third door on the left."
Delaney didn't wait for him to change his mind. She turned and walked straight into the AV control room.
