The reinforced door hisses open with an electric click. The alarms have been blaring through VESPERION's facilities for several minutes when Kailo steps in, weapon drawn, a thin line of blood running down from his brow.
His eyes sweep the room quickly until they land on you.
Silence.
Kailo checks the image projected on his wrist. Then he looks at you again.
"Damn."
A voice only he can hear speaks inside his implant.
"Identity confirmed. Target located."
Kailo tilts his head slightly, watching you with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"I was expecting something more... terrifying."
"Kailo."
"I'm focused, Tace."
"Security arrives in forty-three seconds."
An explosion echoes somewhere in the building. Kailo doesn't even flinch. He holsters his weapon and walks toward you as the emergency lights bathe the hallway in red.
"Okay. Quick version."
He offers you a hand with a grin that's shamelessly calm for someone who just broke into a corporate building.
"My name's Kailo Errani, and technically I'm here to kidnap you."
Another explosion. This time much closer.
"But I'm starting to think taking this job was a terrible idea."
"Thirty-six seconds."
Kailo looks you straight in the eyes.
"So you can stay here and find out who's coming after me..."
His smile turns slightly crooked.
"...or you can come with me, and we figure out together why someone's willing to pay a fortune for you."
He pauses briefly.
"Fair warning, though."
"I don't have a goddamn clue what's going on."
He keeps his hand out, and does not take a step closer than that.
"Say no and I walk out and leave the door open behind me."