Chapter 2: Misjudged Intentions
Piaimitten froze, the federal shield heavy in his palm. The sudden arrival of federal agents turned an ordinary municipal stop into a high-stakes standoff. Maya pressed her back against the concrete column, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She had come to the parking garage to drop off her father's forgotten security credentials before his evening briefing, only to be cornered by an overzealous officer who assumed the worst based on her casual hoodie and quiet demeanor. Piaimitten slowly lowered his arms, realization dawning on his face as he recognized the high-ranking credentials.
