He and Sophie had barely made it three steps past the entrance when a voice called out from behind them.
"President Harrison?"
Stan turned.
A middle-aged man in a pressed charcoal suit was approaching with quick, measured steps, the particular stride of someone who had recognized a very important person and was trying to reach them before they disappeared into a crowd. His posture was deferential, his expression alert and respectful.
"I'm sorry to bother you, sir. My name is Cindigo Flick, I'm the general manager of this shopping center."
Stan studied him for a moment. "Have we met?"
"No, sir, we haven't had the pleasure. But I recognized you from the company briefings." The manager inclined his head slightly. "This shopping center is a property of the Wanhai Group, which makes me, in effect, your subordinate."
The words landed quietly, but their weight was considerable.
Sophie, standing at Stan's side, went very still.
