*A Week Later*
Madison Avenue on a Tuesday afternoon was the perfect place to gather intelligence.
Angela had suggested shopping, framing it as an opportunity to help Eve rediscover her personal style. What it actually was, was an opportunity to map Eve's routines, her preferred stores, her security protocols, and the gaps in her protection.
They started at a boutique in Midtown, moving through racks of designer clothing. Angela played the role of stylist, helping Eve try on pieces, offering opinions, building the relationship one dress at a time.
But while she was doing that, she was also noting everything.
The security detail stayed back, two men positioned near the store entrance, communicating via earpieces. They gave Eve space but maintained clear sightlines. Professional. Competent. But not perfect.
"You have a gap when you're in the dressing rooms," Angela noted casually while Eve was changing. "Your security can't see you in there. That has to make you feel vulnerable."
