The heavy tires of the standard yellow taxi rolled unevenly over the cracked, pothole-filled pavement, as Rick and Elena completely left the glittering, ultra-luxurious skyline of the capital's commercial district behind them, driving deep into the gritty, industrial working-class sector of the city.
The air outside the rolled-down windows no longer smelled of expensive sea salt and imported perfumes, since it was heavily replaced by the thick, honest scent of diesel exhaust, burning coal, and the faint, lingering aroma of cheap street food.
Elena sat perfectly poised in the backseat, wearing her flawless, tailored designer trench coat over a pristine white silk blouse, as her red-bottomed stilettos rested against the worn floor mats of the cab, yet her face showed absolutely zero disgust or discomfort at the impoverished surroundings.
