Derek’s POV

I arrived at the warehouse just before sunset, the briefcase of money clutched tightly in my hand.

The area was quiet, too quiet. Rusted metal structures loomed around me like skeletons, casting long shadows over cracked pavement.

My heart thudded against my ribs, a mix of fear and adrenaline rushing through me.

As I stepped inside, the thick air hit me like a wall, dust, oil, and something sour I couldn’t name.

My eyes adjusted slowly to the dim light filtering through the ...