At the same time, the system quietly registered another observation in the corner of his mind.
Amelia Don's appearance scored well above an 8.5.
Viable Binding Target Detected.
Stan acknowledged the notification without outward reaction.
One of the men stepped forward.
A red dragon tattoo curled along his forearm, disappearing beneath the sleeve of his jacket.
"Kid," he said coldly, "mind your own business."
His voice carried the practiced menace of someone accustomed to intimidating people into compliance.
"Some things are above your pay grade. Turn around, walk out, and we won't hurt you."
The others backed the threat with aggressive looks and muttered agreement, but Stan could already see the instability underneath their bravado.
Their plan had been carefully arranged.
Drug the target.
Move her somewhere isolated.
Finish things quietly.
