CHAPTER 2: SHADOWS OF PROJECT AEGIS
Within an hour, black tactical SUVs sealed the perimeter of downtown Philadelphia. Special Agent Raymond Vance watched through one-way glass as Toby calmly sipped chocolate milk inside a mobile command unit.
Raymond was Toby’s legal guardian and the former director of Project Aegis—an experimental psychological initiative created after the turn of the century to train hyper-perceptive children with photographic recall and elevated autonomic regulation. Toby was the only child who had completed the program before Raymond personally shuttered it on ethical grounds.
"He shouldn't have exposed himself like that," Agent Sarah Lin remarked, adjusting the monitors. "He blew his cover to save fifty strangers."
"He didn't blow anything," Raymond replied gravely, adjusting his collar. "He calculated the threat. If those men had panic-fired, half that lobby would be dead. Toby neutralized the room using presence and psychology alone."
The door clicked open. Toby walked in quietly, setting his empty cup on the table.
"They weren't common thieves, Dad," Toby said without looking up. "Victor had a scar under his left glove—a branded chevron. The Red Syndicate."
Raymond’s heart sank. The Red Syndicate wasn't interested in vaults or cash. They specialized in high-stakes corporate blackmail and human trafficking.
"What did they want in that bank, Toby?" Raymond asked gently.
May you like
"Safe Deposit Box 404," Toby said softly. "The one registered under Mom's maiden name."
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