James slowly pulled his hands from his pockets. He looked at Vanessa, then at Julian, who gave a mock salute from behind her.
"Wait," James said softly.
Chapter 2: The Headlights
"Wait?" Vanessa sneered, crossing her arms. "For what? Are you waiting for security to escort you off the property?"
Before James could reply, the deep, mechanical rumble of a twelve-cylinder engine echoed from around the corner of 5th Avenue.
A brand-new, midnight-black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided smoothly down the hotel driveway. Its polished black paint reflected the neon city lights like liquid obsidian, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy ornament gleaming at the edge of the chrome grille. The headlights cut through the evening shadow, illuminating the exact patch of sidewalk where the three of them stood.
Julian’s eyes widened slightly. He adjusted his silk tie, taking a step forward. "Ah, there’s our car. I told the concierge to have the executive fleet handle our transport to the afterparty."
The massive black sedan pulled to a stop right in front of James.
The valet rushed forward to open the door, but before he could touch the handle, the rear door