Chapter 4:A Threat From The Dark

The ride back to the lab was quiet, the air between Joy and Will thick with unspoken fears. The streetlights painted fleeting patterns of light and shadow across the car's interior, mirroring the turmoil within Joy's mind. He stared out the window, watching the city blur past, his thoughts racing. Will finally broke the silence. "So, what's the next step? You can't keep going like this, man."

Joy sighed, rubbing his temples. "The next step is figuring out what Esono really wants. He's hiding something. I've seen fragments—encrypted files, schematics—but nothing concrete. If I can get access to his private servers, maybe I can—"

The car screeched to a halt, jolting both men forward. Will slammed his palm against the horn. "What the hell—?"

A black SUV blocked the road ahead, its tinted windows gleaming under the streetlights. Before Joy or Will could react, three men in dark suits stepped out, their movements precise and purposeful. One of them approached the driver's side window, rapping on it with the butt of a gun.

Will froze, his hand hovering over the gear shift. "Joy… what do we do?"

"Stay calm," Joy muttered, though his pulse thundered in his ears. He recognized the insignia on the man's lapel—a subtle, coiled serpent. Esono's men

The man outside gestured for them to lower the window. Reluctantly, Will complied.

"Dr. Davidson," the man said, his voice cold and professional. "Mr. Esono would like to have a word."

Joy's jaw tightened. "I wasn't aware I was on his schedule tonight."

The man's expression didn't waver. "It's not a request."

Joy exchanged a glance with Will, who looked ready to argue, but Joy shook his head slightly. "Fine.

Let's get this over with."

The men escorted Joy to the SUV, leaving Will behind. As the door closed behind him, Joy found himself seated across from Victor Esono himself. The man was impeccably dressed, his sharp features illuminated by the dim light of the vehicle's interior. He studied Joy with a predatory calm.

"Dr. Davidson," Victor began, his tone almost pleasant. "You've been making quite the impression lately. But I'm concerned your… enthusiasm for the project may be waning."

Joy met his gaze, refusing to flinch. "If you're looking for enthusiasm, you've hired the wrong guy. I'm here to do a job, not to cheerlead."

Victor chuckled softly, leaning forward. "You misunderstand me. I'm not asking for enthusiasm. I'm asking for results. And lately, it seems your focus has been… divided."

Joy's fists clenched in his lap. "The work is progressing. You'll get what you need."

Victor's smile faded, replaced by a glint of steel in his eyes. "See that I do. Because if you don't, Dr. Davidson, the consequences will extend far beyond you. I trust you wouldn't want anything to happen to Miss Carter."

Joy's blood ran cold. "Leave her out of this."

Victor leaned back, satisfied. "That's entirely up to you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe you have work to do."

The SUV came to a stop, and the door opened. Joy stepped out onto the curb, his legs unsteady but his resolve hardening. As the SUV disappeared into the night, he knew one thing for certain—this wasn't just about science anymore. It was war.