The Ultimate Return of Carlos

86

As the car pulled into the underground parking lot beneath Carlos's apartment, the tense silence that had followed them since the last heated exchange gave way to a new wave of exhaustion. The hum of the engine died down, replaced by the soft echo of footsteps as they all exited the vehicle, shadows dancing under the dim yellow lights overhead. The air smelled faintly of oil and concrete— an unwelcoming scent, but familiar in its own way.

Carlos rubbed his neck, feeling the tension that had settled there. His eyes darted around the parking lot, as if expecting trouble to emerge from the dark corners at any moment. Old habits, he supposed. Olivia was beside him, her posture as rigid and controlled as always. Jon and Toby trailed a few steps behind, with Deon’s men, silent as ever, taking up the rear. They were like shadows— faceless, emotionless, and entirely too dangerous to underestimate.

"Let’s get inside before anything else happens tonight," Carlos muttered, the weariness creeping