Nikolai made his way to the shop, walking at an easy pace while scanning the streets.
He preferred to take in his surroundings, new faces, shops, signs, anything that could help him understand the area better.
It didn't take long to arrive. The garage was already open when he got there. He stepped inside and headed to the clock-in book. Stewart was waiting, leaning against a workbench with a mug of coffee.
"Finally here," Stewart said.
Nikolai nodded and wrote his name down.
"Why so quiet, kid? You always have something to say. Haha."
He let out a small chuckle. "Just nervous."
In truth, he wasn't. But old Nikolai had always been talkative, and there was value in keeping that image alive.
Nikolai understood the power of conversation; charisma built trust faster than silence. People didn't warm up to quiet men whose thoughts stayed hidden.
Still, he knew balance mattered. There were moments to speak and moments to shut up.
Right now, his head was full of plans, and that made him quieter than usual. But keeping up appearances mattered too.
While he'd told himself before that it didn't matter if he acted differently, after all, Nikolai hadn't had friends, Stewart was a small exception.
Not that the man's opinion mattered much, but right now they were about to do something shady together.
It was better if Stewart didn't start thinking he'd changed. Fear and doubt were seeds; once planted, they grew into suspicion and trouble.
The last thing he needed was Stewart wondering if he was cut out for this or planning to betray him.
So he put on an easy smile and asked, "So, what can you tell me about this guy? What's special about him?"
Stewart waved him off. "Like I said yesterday, don't worry about it. Look, what I want from you is simple. Do some damage that'll make the car stop."
Nikolai narrowed his eyes. "If I'm going to do this with you, I need to know what's happening and who I'm messing with. And why are we breaking the car? I thought we were just doing small things, nothing serious."
"Look," Stewart snapped, irritation flashing across his face. "He's just a businessman. Do what I told you and stop asking. I'll double your money. Enough questions."
Nikolai went quiet, not because he was convinced, but because he didn't know what to think. Something felt off.
But from memory, Stewart never liked being pressed. He was naturally a grumpy man, unless money was involved.
Nikolai couldn't tell if Stewart was hiding something or just being his usual impatient self.
Nikolai shook his head. Either way, he needed the money. Stewart might be careless, but he wouldn't put his own life in danger, at least, Nikolai doubted it.
If he went through with this job, he'd be tied to Stewart no matter what, so there was no point overthinking now.
He went to the back, changed into the shop's overalls, and came back out to wait.
It didn't take long before Stewart rushed back in, limping as usual, his uneven stride almost comical if not for the greedy smile on his face. "Alright, kid," he said quickly. "Remember, let me do all the talking. Don't speak unless someone asks you. Come on, come on."
Nikolai stood and followed him out to the front of the shop.
He paused when he saw the cars pulling in, two black Mercedes sedans with tinted windows. That alone felt out of place. Rich men didn't usually bring cars like that to this kind of small, dusty shop.
The lead car rolled to a stop right at the entrance. One of the front doors opened, and a man stepped out first. He moved with the alert, quiet presence of security, then went to open the rear door.
A man in a dark suit stepped out. He looked sharp but calm, not trying to show power yet somehow carrying it anyway.
Nikolai's eyes narrowed slightly. Whoever this was, he wasn't just another customer.
Stewart's face lit up like he'd struck gold. "Mr. Moreno!" he said, hurrying forward.
The man stepped closer, and Stewart shook his hand with both of his. Then he glanced back and waved Nikolai over.
Nikolai stepped forward and offered his hand. The grip he received was firm, measured, not showy, but with quiet authority behind it.
He had shaken hands with many dangerous men in his previous life and had learned to read people quickly.
One look into Mr. Moreno's eyes was enough to know the type: calm, controlled, and deadly serious. This wasn't someone to test, not yet.
Nikolai wasn't scared of anyone, but he was realistic. He had no allies, no real power, and no safety net here.
Starting a fight with a man like this would put him on the run, maybe even dead before nightfall. And at this point, he wasn't a super soldier or anything close to it, not yet.
So he knew how to play it. He stayed quiet, respectful, and let Stewart handle the talking.
Stewart spoke first, smiling too wide. "So, sir, what brings you here?"
"Well…" the man said slowly, his speech deliberate and dragging just a little. "My car's been making a strange noise since I arrived in this city. I thought I'd check out the local mechanics. Of course, if you're unable to handle it, that's fine."
Nikolai noted the name and the accent, Moreno. The man sounded Latino.
Stewart's face flushed red. "Unable? Impossible. We're the best mechanic shop in this city. People come here once and never need to go anywhere else again."
Moreno's mouth twitched in what might have been a smile. "Then I hope everything will be fine. I'll leave my friend here while I go take care of some things. If you have questions or need to contact me, speak to him."
Moreno cast a brief look at Nikolai before turning away. Without another word, he walked to the second car, got in, and his convoy rolled out of the lot.
Stewart watched the departing vehicles for a moment, his gaze lingering on the sleek black sedan left behind.
Then he turned to the man Moreno had left behind, a quiet, heavy-built guy who stood by the driver's door.
"Can I get the key so I can move it?" Stewart asked, trying to sound casual but clearly itching to take the wheel of such a luxurious car.
"I'll handle driving the car," the man said flatly.
A quick frown flashed across Stewart's face before he forced a grin. "Okay… move it over there, then."
Nikolai, who had been silent and watching, spoke up. "Boss, can I have a word with you quick?"
Stewart shot him a sharp glare but finally grunted and headed toward the small office.