Page 48 of Snitches and Serpents

To my surprise, it does not contain drugs.

My brows furrow into a confused frown as I stare down at the odd assortment of items inside.

A sledgehammer.

An axe.

A bat.

Carefully, I reach into the bag and move the topmost items to the side so that I can check if there are drugs hiding underneath them.

There aren’t any.

It’s just a bag of… tools.

With that frown still on my face, I zip up the bag again and straighten. Why would?—

Realization hits me.

Oh.

It’s probably equipment for a hitter, or whatever the guys are called who beat people up and provide security for the ones who carry and sell the drugs. I’ve already come to the conclusion that Tristan and that other muscular dude, whose name I think is Amir, probably do those kinds of jobs. It would make sense, given their impressive physique.

I glance down at the bag again.

This must be an equipment drop for another muscle guy.

Relief washes through me.

At least it’s not drugs.

Or a setup.

A small smile tugs at my lips as I pick up the duffel bag and start towards the door. Tristan really did just want a favor. A normal favor. And then, after this, we can both move on with our lives as if we had never met.

The thought sends an unexpected flicker of disappointment through me, but I ignore it as I pull open the metal door to the gym. It creaks in its rusted hinges as it swings open. With the bag in one hand, I make my way into the silent building.

Because of the lack of windows, the massive space I enter is pitch black. It’s so dark that I can’t even see where I’m going. And when the door swings shut behind me, I can’t make out anything.

I hesitate. I can’t go in if I can’t even see my feet. And how is the other guy even supposed to find me? Besides, if there are no windows, no one from the outside would even be able to tell if the lights are on in here.

Making a decision, I reach out to my left and then right. Blindly searching for a light switch.

My fingers finally brush against one.

Then light floods the space. It’s a harsh white light from fluorescents that flicker in several places, but at least it illuminates the entire room. I sweep my gaze over the old gym hall as I walk farther into the room.

Jesus Christ, they really left this to fall completely into ruin.

Every piece of equipment still left in here looks like it has been smashed or hacked apart. Several rows of the small section of bleachers have been similarly shattered. Chips of wood and broken planks are scattered across the floor. Someone has also spray-painted graffiti on one of the walls.

I shake my head at the unnecessary destruction as I come to a halt in the middle of the room. Then I turn towards the door. And wait.

Five minutes pass.

Then ten.

Fifteen.

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