The building Lucian chose did not look abandoned.
That was the first thing Julian noticed when they stepped inside.
From the outside it had seemed quiet enough, another narrow structure squeezed between two older offices with dim windows and faded signs. Nothing about it suggested it belonged to the same hidden network Lucian had been dealing with all night.
Inside told a different story.
The ground floor held a reception counter that hadn't been used in years, but the lights behind it were still functional. A faint hum of electronics drifted from deeper in the building.
Lucian moved through the lobby without hesitation.
Julian followed, studying the room as he walked.
"Let me guess," Julian said. "Another courier location."
Lucian glanced at him briefly.
"Yes."
Julian looked around again.
"This one's cleaner."
Lucian didn't slow.
"That doesn't mean it's safe."
