Mira swallowed.
"…You come here often?"
"Nope."
"Then why—"
"Can't tell you," West said while raising a finger. "That would violate the secret."
She stared at him for a long second, then sighed dramatically. "Fine. But be careful."
"Deal."
She turned to leave, then paused, glancing back over her shoulder.
"Get home safe, okay?"
West's expression softened just a bit. "Always."
Once she was gone, West waited another full minute, scanned the area and listened for any sign of life.
Silence...
No footsteps... No lingering presence.
That was good.
He stepped deeper into the industrial site until he reached a wide, open clearing surrounded by collapsed warehouses. The ground was cracked but stable.
There were no civilians, no cameras, no gang territory markings...
"Perfect."
West exhaled slowly.
"Alright," he muttered. "Let's do this properly."
This wasn't the ruins so there was no pressure of imminent death...
This time, he could choose without hurry.
