The sun had barely cleared the horizon when Viktor stepped out of the black SUV in an empty industrial yard on the east side of the city. The air was cool and sharp, carrying the smell of wet concrete and distant salt from the river. Puddles from last night's rain reflected the pale morning light. The yard was surrounded by rusted chain-link fences and abandoned warehouses with no cameras, just the low hum of traffic far away.
Viktor adjusted the collar of his dark coat, eyes scanning the perimeter. Nico was already out of the driver's seat, checking his sidearm. Harlan stepped from the back, still wearing the same tailored black suit from the night before, though the sleeves were rolled up and a fresh bandage covered the cut on his side. The three of them... Viktor, Nico, and Harlan... had left the Club Eclipse cleanup to Ethan and the secondary team.
