Ethan gripped the steering wheel tighter as the city lights faded behind him. The GPS on his phone led him out of the familiar streets, past the suburbs, and into an industrial area he'd never seen before. Warehouses loomed on either side, graffiti-covered and dark. The road narrowed, potholes jolting the car. He glanced at the time... 11:47 PM. He wasn't late, but he wasn't early either.
The map pinged: 'You have arrived.'
Ethan slowed. Ahead was a low building with a neon sign flickering "Club Eclipse." Music thumped faintly even from the parking lot. Cars lined the sides... sleek sedans, a few motorcycles. A group of people lingered near the entrance, smoking and laughing.
He parked in the back, away from the crowd. A man in a black jacket approached as soon as he stepped out.
"Keys," the man said, holding out his hand.
Ethan hesitated, then dropped them into his palm. "Don't scratch it."
The man smirked and walked off.
