American variety show: Sniper Elite

Chapter 52 Michael Bryce
Beta needs to gather intelligence for the next operation.

He put his hands in his pockets and blended into the crowd of people hurrying past the office building.

He paused outside the building for a moment, silently observing its external structure: the location of the external platform, the blind spots of the surveillance cameras, and the reflection angles of the glass curtain wall. These details quickly formed a model in his mind.

After confirming the basic information, Beta walked towards the automatic sensor door.

The spacious lobby was deserted, with only a few half-dead potted plants dotting the space. Two uniformed security guards strolled lazily, barely glancing at anyone coming or going. Office buildings like this, shared by multiple companies, were known for their lax management; they glanced at the visitor and quickly lost interest.

Beta strolled over to the company information wall.

The metal display panels gleamed under the overhead lights. His gaze moved down from the top floor, finally settling on the "AAA Security Company" sign that occupied the top three floors.

The company display board next to it shows the company structure and photos of core team members in detail.

Beta's gaze lingered on the photos of the employees, finally settling on a man's picture.

The plaque below the photo reads: "Michael Bryce - EU Certified AAA Level Security Personnel." This man with short black hair has expressive features and an infectious smile; his slightly comical face makes him look like a natural comedian, creating a striking contrast with his serious security profession.

Beta's gaze lingered on the photo for a few more seconds.

The elevator doors opened slowly with a crisp "ding," and Beta looked up to see the face she had just seen on the display board: Michael Bryce.

As the AAA-rated bodyguard stepped out of the elevator, he still wore his signature friendly smile and politely nodded to Beta.

Just as the two were about to pass each other, Beta turned slightly to the side and called out to the other person in a hesitant tone, "Excuse me, I saw your picture on the display board."

He pointed to the company information board in the lobby: "Are you really an EU-certified AAA-level security expert?"

Michael stopped and turned around to quickly assess the stranger in front of him.

The man was about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, dressed in a well-tailored navy blue suit, with a Patek Philippe watch subtly visible on his wrist, and possessing the sharp, shrewd air honed through years of experience in the business world. He was a typical member of the elite class, but the shrewd glint in his eyes immediately told Michael that this was no ordinary, law-abiding businessman.

Michael politely replied, "Yes, how can I help you?"

Beta deliberately feigned unease, lowering his voice as he said, "I've been running into some trouble lately, and I feel my personal safety is threatened. Does your company offer private security services?"

Michael nodded slightly, a professional smile on his face. "Of course," he said, "AAA Security provides comprehensive security services, whether for private or corporate clients. We maintain close cooperation with the French security services and also provide security support for CEOs of numerous multinational corporations."

He turned slightly and gestured invitingly: "Why don't we go upstairs and talk in detail?"

Beta stepped into the elevator first. Michael followed closely behind, considerately pressing the floor button.

Amid the slight weightlessness of the elevator's ascent, Beta deliberately made her voice sound a little anxious: "I need top-level security to protect me for four to five days, until I leave France safely."

He nervously tugged at his tie: "I don't know who I've offended, but I'm certain someone wants me dead. Money's not an issue; I need absolutely professional security."

Michael nodded impassively, his mind racing with the itinerary. The security project he was currently handling for the Indian businessman wouldn't officially start until the 25th, and the preliminary preparations were already complete, leaving him with a 4-5 day gap. Using the reflection in the elevator, he sized up the client again—a typical wealthy man who valued his life above all else. These types of clients were usually highly cooperative with security work, making them the ideal subjects for protection.

“I understand your concerns,” Michael’s voice was steady and firm. “We can completely customize a security plan to meet your specific needs. Rest assured, AAA-level standards mean foolproof protection.”

With a soft "ding," the elevator doors slid open smoothly.

The reception area is a modern space: behind a beige marble countertop, a semi-transparent glass partition cleverly separates the reception area from the office area. Through the artistic frosted glass, the meeting area surrounded by greenery can be vaguely seen; the frosted glass design ensures both natural light and privacy.

"Welcome to AAA Security Company." The receptionist bowed slightly, her voice gentle.

Michael skillfully guided Beta through the corridor and pushed open a frosted glass door.

A streamlined round conference table sits in the center of the meeting room, surrounded by specially designed double-layered opaque glass walls, creating a completely enclosed and private space. The temperature is maintained at the optimal comfort level of 22 degrees Celsius by a constant-temperature air conditioner, and a faint scent of cedarwood permeates the air.

On the solid wood cabinet against the wall, an Italian-imported coffee machine gleams with a metallic sheen, while a small refrigerator next to it is neatly stocked with high-end bottled water brands such as Perrier and Voss.

Michael pulled out a leather chair: "Please have a seat, we can discuss your needs in detail."

After Beta sat down, he straightened his tie and looked Michael directly in the eye: "Excuse my bluntness, but are you sure you're professional enough to guarantee my safety without any problems?"

Michael wore a calm smile, long accustomed to such skepticism: "One hundred percent certain, sir. It's obvious."

"Just you alone?" Beta frowned, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. "Shouldn't I be given more options in a life-or-death situation?"

He deliberately displayed a critical attitude.

An overly agreeable customer is more likely to arouse suspicion, but a difficult employer will only focus on how to close the deal and will not delve into the underlying motives.

The strategy worked. Michael's smile deepened: "To be honest, I'm the company's top security expert. If you need, I can provide complete certifications and past case studies."

He paused for a moment, then said, "I believe that information is enough to dispel your concerns."

Beta feigned deep thought: "I'm hiring a bodyguard I'd entrust my life to."

He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table: "Why don't we present some more substantial information first? After all, this is a two-way selection process."

“I completely understand.” Michael got up and walked to the coffee machine, brewing himself an espresso. “You should try ours.”

“No need,” Beta interrupted, raising her hand. “Just give me a bottle of Perrier.”

His gaze swept over the small refrigerator, his pickiness tinged with a deliberate arrogance.

(End of this chapter)