Without their money or their status to shield them, they looked small and ordinary.

The heavy iron gates clicked shut.

I stood on the paving stones and watched the shadows stretch across the empty street.

I kept my posture completely rigid.

I chose to let them go.

I turned my back on the wrought-iron fence.

I walked toward the main building and left them standing by their car.

The reception courtyard emptied as the sun dipped behind the stone towers.