CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE – Down in New York

Nia Moreno stood in the bustling Philadelphia International Airport, her carry-on bag clutched tightly in her hand. The familiar anxiety of air travel churned in her stomach, amplified by the weight of their mission. She glanced at Leon Allistair, who was checking his phone with a furrowed brow. "Flight's on time," Leon said, looking up. "We should head to security soon." Nia nodded, swallowing hard. "I can't believe we're doing this." Leon's expression softened. He reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder. "We're going to get to the bottom of this, Nia. I promise." They made their way through security, Nia's heart racing every time an officer glanced her way. But soon enough, they were through, walking towards their gate. "First class," Nia mused as they settled into the waiting area. "I've never flown first class before." Leon chuckled. "Well, if we're going to uncover a conspiracy, we might as well do it in style." A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the