CHAPTER SIX HUNDRED AND FORTY SEVEN – EYES ON THE TARGET

Jasmine felt Marco tense beside her as the senator approached, flanked by the man in the gray suit they had noticed earlier. "Marco, Jasmine," Thompson greeted, his politician's smile firmly in place. "I hope you've enjoyed the evening." "Absolutely," Marco replied smoothly. "It's been a pleasure, Senator. And who's your friend?" The man in the gray suit stepped forward, extending his hand. "John Blackwood, private security consultant. I do some work for the Senator from time to time." As they shook hands, Jasmine noticed a small pin on Blackwood's lapel – a rising phoenix. Her heart raced, but she kept her expression neutral. "Well, it's been lovely meeting you both," Jasmine said, her voice betraying none of her inner turmoil. "But I'm afraid we really must be going." As they made their way to the valet stand, Marco kept his hand on Jasmine's back, a gesture that looked affectionate to observers but was actually protective. "Did you see it?" Jasmine whispered as they waited fo