"The Goldman"

"Alexander says the salesman's holed up at a warehouse near the river dock, east of Oberrad," Finn said, scrolling through his phone. He glanced at Kai, gauging his reaction.

Kai didn't take his eyes off the road. His voice was steady but carried weight. "Ask for details. I need to know what they're negotiating, what's already been said. Anything that gives us an edge."

Finn nodded, typing a message quickly. "Alright, give me a sec," he murmured, his attention fixed on the screen.

The car slowed as they approached a red light. Kai's hand rested lightly on the wheel as he glanced at Finn. "Here's the plan," he said evenly. "I'll meet the salesman alone. It'll keep things cleaner, less suspicious. You stay out of sight, close enough to back me up if things go sideways."

Finn raised an eyebrow, turning toward him. "You're going in solo? That's bold, even for you."

Kai didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached into his coat's inner pocket and pulled out a small, sleek tracker. It was no larger than a coin, with a faint blue light pulsing along its edge. He held it between his fingers and glanced at Finn. "This is synced to your phone. If anything feels wrong, I'll signal you. We play it safe."

Finn leaned back slightly, studying the tracker before nodding. "Alright, but take this too," he said, digging into his coat's inner pocket and pulling out a tiny recorder. It was no bigger than a tooth cap, polished and nearly invisible. "Mic. Tuck it in your molar, and I'll hear everything. If something goes wrong, I'll know right away."

Kai took the recorder, turning it over in his hand before slipping it into his coat's inner pocket alongside the tracker. A faint smirk crossed his face. "You've thought of everything, haven't you?"

Finn shrugged, though his expression was serious. "That's the job. Just keep the guy talking. We need intel, not chaos."

Kai chuckled under his breath, shifting gears as the light turned green. "Relax, Finn. I'm not looking to die tonight."

As the car rolled closer to the docks, the streets grew quieter. Warehouses lined the narrow road, their shadows stretching across the pavement under dim streetlights. The faint scent of the river mixed with oil and rust hung in the air.

Finn glanced out the window, scanning the area with a sharp eye. "This place gives me the creeps," he muttered.

Kai's gaze stayed ahead, his voice calm but firm. "Focus. We're here to work."

Finn nodded, his jaw tightening. "You ready for this?"

Kai didn't miss a beat. "Always."

"They replied... here, read this," Finn said, handing his phone to Kai.

Kai took it, his eyes scanning the message with sharp focus.

---

From: Alexander Hoffman-Klein

Subject: Salesman Details

Confirmed negotiations involve drugs and firearms.

The salesman seems calm—approach him carefully. Maintain a composed, confident exterior. We don't know if he's aware of the setup. If he suspects anything, this entire operation collapses.

Location: Abandoned warehouse at the docks, corner of the lot. Proceed with caution.

---

Kai handed the phone back to Finn, his jaw tightening as the weight of the situation settled over him. He inhaled deeply, calming his nerves, and looked at Finn, his expression unreadable.

"I'll handle this," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Stay here, keep your eyes on the tracker, and monitor everything. If anything feels off, be ready to move."

Finn studied Kai for a moment, concern flickering across his face. "Just signal if things start going south. I'll back you up," he said, his voice steady but low.

Kai nodded, taking the small tracker and slipping it into his trouser pocket. Then he picked up the tiny recorder, pressing it carefully against his molar until it clicked into place. He tested it with a subtle grind of his teeth before glancing back at Finn.

"I've got this," Kai repeated, his voice unwavering.

Finn leaned back slightly, still watching him with a measured gaze. "Be careful," he said simply, before turning his attention back to scanning the area.

Kai opened the car door, stepping out into the chilled night air. The scent of saltwater and rust hit him immediately, mingling with the faint hum of the river nearby. He adjusted his coat and started toward the warehouse, his steps steady and deliberate.

The building loomed ahead, its weathered exterior peeling and marred by graffiti. Broken windows gaped like hollow eyes, and the dim light spilling from a cracked door cast long, jagged shadows across the pavement.

Kai's body was calm, his movements precise, but his mind was running through every contingency. He straightened his posture, slipping into a confident, almost detached demeanor. This wasn't about showing strength; it was about control—calm, collected, and unshakable.

As he approached the warehouse door, his hand hovered near his side, ready but not tense. He exhaled slowly, the weight of the mission clear in his mind. Every step brought him closer to the unknown, but there was no hesitation.

This wasn't just a mission. This was about Mina.

---

Kai walks toward the heart and stood still in the center of the dimly lit warehouse, the air thick with tension. His senses were heightened, scanning every shadow, every creak in the silence. It stretched on for a moment before a calm voice broke the quiet.

"Are you CipherGhost?"

Kai spun on his heel, eyes locking onto the man who had spoken. The figure stood tall, athletic—maybe in his mid-20s. He wore a coat identical to Kai's, but the insignia on the collar was different. It was gold, not silver. The name Gold Man was embroidered in sleek lettering beneath the emblem.

He stood about 5'9", his gray eyes cold and assessing. His hair was styled sharply, slicked downward on the right side, with an almost sculpted edge.

---

Kai observed the man, his mind quietly piecing things together. Gold Man? A title? A name? His fingers brushed lightly against the tracker in his trouser's pocket. That insignia on his collar... Black Lotus, but with a gold accent. Not your average thug. He's important, or at least has something of value. Interesting.

He shifted his stance, considering the briefcase in Gold Man's hand. That's probably it. The product. Drugs and firearms, like Cassian said. But there's more to this than just a transaction. This guy's measuring me, watching how I move. Testing whether I'm worth his time.

Kai didn't let his gaze waver. I need to make him see me as useful, someone he can work with. No overplaying my hand. Just show him I'm here for business, not a waste of space.

His thoughts were sharp and focused. This is the kind of meeting where trust has to be earned. I'll play it cool, keep it professional—let him think I'm exactly what he needs. If I'm careful enough, this could be more than just a deal. It could be leverage, a connection with Black Lotus.

His expression stayed steady, not a hint of tension. Gold Man doesn't know me, doesn't know what I can do. But by the end of this, he will.

If I fail here, will I ever be able to save Mina? Will this be the last chance I get? The thought gnaws at me. What if this man sees through me? What if he's already suspicious? But I can't afford to hesitate. I have to make him trust me—somehow.

What will it take to get him on my side? Will he listen, or will I have to push him? How much am I willing to risk to get what I need? What if it's not enough?

I know what's at stake. If I fail, Mina's fate will slip further out of reach, and I'll have no one but myself to blame. But I can't back down. I can't let fear rule me, not when it comes to her.

What if this is my only shot? What if this man holds the key to everything—my leverage, my chance to get her out of their hands? Can I make him believe in me, or will he just see another desperate player in a deadly game?

I have to find a way. Whatever it takes.