The bulletproof sedan that I was given glided smoothly along the winding country road, its reinforced windows offering a crystal-clear view of the rolling hills that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. I found myself genuinely appreciating the scenery as we drove east from the city - something I hadn't expected given the circumstances. The early morning sun cast long shadows across fields dotted with grazing cattle, and the autumn foliage painted the landscape in brilliant shades of gold and crimson.
"Beautiful drive, isn't it sir?" my chauffeur commented, his eyes constantly scanning the road ahead and the rearview mirror with the practiced awareness of someone trained in executive protection. His name was apparently Marcus and from what I've been told he had been with Anthony's organization for years, and his calm professionalism was exactly what I needed this morning.
