The night felt heavier after the meeting at the archive warehouse.
Ethan's car moved slowly along the nearly empty road. Streetlights reflected off the windshield like streaks of fast-moving light.
Sophia sat in the passenger seat, still holding the old folder containing her mother's documents.
She hadn't said a word since they left the warehouse.
Daniel sat in the back seat, staring out the window while thinking hard.
Leonard Graves.
The name now felt far more real.
No longer just a shadow behind a mysterious organization.
No longer just a name in old documents.
The man actually existed.
And what was more disturbing—
he didn't look the least bit afraid.
Ethan broke the silence.
"He's baiting us."
Daniel nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Sophia stared out the window.
"What does that mean?"
Ethan gripped the steering wheel tighter.
"Leonard knows we're looking for the truth."
Sophia turned to him.
"Then why did he show himself in front of us?"
Ethan didn't answer right away.
