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The shop looks exactlythe same.

That’s what makes it worse.

Lights off. Door closed. Windows still.

Like nothing’s wrong.

But everything is.

I can feel it.

I kill the engine.

Silence drops hard.

Too quiet.

“Same plan,” I say. “We clear fast. You stay on me.”

“I will.”

No hesitation.

Good.

We approach the door.

Weapons up.

Breathing steady.

I pause just outside.

Listen.

There—

Movement.

Inside.

Slow.

Deliberate.

Not searching.

Not rushing.

Waiting.

I glance at Tessa.

She nods.

Ready.

I push the door open.