***

  Eli wasn’t sure when he had dozed off. He only stirred when a series of knocks on the door came, followed by his name being called more than once. Groggy, he checked his health band—it was nearly 9:00.

  He rolled out of bed and hurried to the door, peeking through the peephole.

  It was Ravi.

  Eli opened the door. Ravi greeted him with a wide grin. “My man, you ready?”

  “Sure, let me grab my jacket,” Eli replied.

  As Ravi waited by the door, Eli quickly threw on his jacket, checked his pockets—cigarettes, lighter, phone, and most importantly, the room key—then stepped out.

  He shut the door behind him, double-checking the lock before handing the key back to Ravi, who pocketed it smoothly.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  “Follow me,” Ravi said, already moving.

  Still half-awake, Eli trailed after him down the stairs. They reached the main lobby on the ground floor, where Ravi gave a quick glance around before saying, “Not the front door. Come on.”

  He turned toward the kitchen. The chef and his assistant were busy preparing dinner and didn’t even look up as they passed through. They continued on, past the supply chamber and out the back door.

  Ravi checked the alley, ensuring no one was around, then crossed the street quickly. The lighting changed as they entered a shadowy stretch between buildings. Eli snapped to full alert.

  Two blocks later, they reached a run-down residential area. Ravi strode ahead confidently to a modest house, opening the gate and waiting for Eli to catch up.

  Eli jogged to him, copying his quiet, deliberate movements. He slipped inside and shut the gate behind him.

  On the porch, an obese man sat calmly in the shadows, sipping beer from a large plastic cup. He watched them approach with lazy, watchful eyes.

  He nodded toward the house. “Ravi, you’re expected. With your friend. Go straight, then left.”

  “Sure, Josh,” Ravi replied, motioning for Eli to follow.

  Eli gave Josh a polite nod as they stepped inside.

  The door shut behind them.

  Outside, Josh took another slow sip of his beer, never taking his eyes off the darkened street, watching the neighbors from his perch in the shadows.

  ***