Nothing happened in the corridor.
The new residents were all sensible and friendly.
John walked up to the roller shutter door, raised his hand, but noticed the power strip was unlocked. Looking at the nearby camera, he saw it was merely moving its focus, not activating the scan.
He cautiously slowed his movements, put away the short-barreled gun, and took out a silenced pistol.
Whoosh——
The roller shutter door was lifted up entirely.
John lowered his stance to ensure he could see inside at the first opportunity.
The anticipated ambush did not appear.
The shop was still in the same bird-like state as it was when he left last time, familiar metal shelves and long tables, row upon row of second-hand shelves, bullet holes in the wall on the right-hand side, damp and faded posters of the Noise Band, strings of lights and wires hanging halfway down.
The rock music in the stereo continued to blast.
The cabinet propped its feet up on the table.
