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The shop looks exactlythe same.
That’s what makes it worse.
Lights off. Door closed. Windows still.
Like nothing’s wrong.
But everything is.
I can feel it.
I kill the engine.
Silence drops hard.
Too quiet.
“Same plan,” I say. “We clear fast. You stay on me.”
“I will.”
No hesitation.
Good.
We approach the door.
Weapons up.
Breathing steady.
I pause just outside.
Listen.
There—
Movement.
Inside.
Slow.
Deliberate.
Not searching.
Not rushing.
Waiting.
I glance at Tessa.
She nods.
Ready.
I push the door open.
