The following night—
Benjamin wasn't at the bar.
He was parked outside the abandoned G-Tech facility.
The structure loomed beyond the chain-link fence, its outer walls worn and colorless under dim streetlights.
Broken signage still clung to one side of the building, half the letters missing. The main gate stood closed, rust creeping along the hinges.
The area was quiet.
Too quiet.
Benjamin leaned against the hood of his car, arms folded loosely, phone in hand. He checked his messages again. Nothing new. His eyes lifted toward the facility gate.
Then toward his watch.
10:18 p.m.
He adjusted his stance.
A faint breeze moved through the street, carrying the dry scent of old concrete and metal.
He looked toward the gate again.
Then—
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting, Mr. Benjamin."
The voice came from behind him.
Close.
Benjamin jerked upright, heart slamming in his chest. A chill ran down his spine as he turned abruptly.
"What the—"
