Peril at the Third Step

The Sophisticated Space building towered above Parker as he stepped out of the car, hands tucked into his pockets. The glass exterior shimmered in the sunlight, sleek and modern, with at least fifteen stories stretching high enough to make most people feel small. It was the kind of place that screamed money—a hub for power players.

People in sharp suits and polished shoes moved in and out, their conversations filled with clipped tones and fake laughs.

Parker paused for a second, eyes tracing the building up to its peak, then shrugged.

"Fancy," he muttered, his voice low but amused.

Ava Klein stepped up beside him, heels clicking softly against the pavement. She didn't miss a beat. "Sophisticated, as advertised," she quipped, tossing him a quick smile. "Shall we?"