"You're gonna miss your flight," the taxi driver called out, glancing at his watch. His voice was a blend of concern and annoyance, echoing in the confined space of the yellow cab. "I know, I know," Rachel murmured, her eyes glued to her phone screen. The GPS said she had five minutes to spare, but she didn't trust the notoriously unreliable New York City traffic. "You're going to Vegas, right?" the driver asked, trying to make conversation. Rachel nodded, not looking up. "Gonna hit the jackpot?" "Doubt it," Rachel replied, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Just a work conference." The taxi lurched to a stop in front of the bustling airport. Rachel handed over the fare, her heart racing as she checked the time again. She was cutting it closer than she liked. With a deep breath, she stepped out of the car and into the chaos of the terminal. The air was thick with the smell of jet fuel and the m