Page 114 of Beast: Part Two

“I got this,” I say.

Although it has been a minute since I’ve done this, there are some things you just don’t forget.

Maksim and Beast let me out at the back of the building. The smell of trash is the first thing that catches my attention. Also, the absence of heavy traffic from the main road stands out.

I adjust the glasses on my face.

“These glasses make me feel stupid,” I complain.

“Hey, as someone that wears glasses, I take offense,” Lucien says.

The earpiece fills with laughter.

“Alright, Hawk,” Zel says speaking up over the laughter. “I’ll guide you through the layout once you get inside.”

“And I’ll be your eyes,” Lucien adds.

I usually wouldn’t need anyone to be my ‘eyes’ on a menu. However, this place has too many unknown variables. It’s a public place during work hours. Not to mention, I don’t know the layout. Because there aren’t cameras in every room, I’ll need Lucien’s sight.

“Straight ahead is the entrance,” Lucien says. “The key card I made for you will get you in. That service uniform and toolbox will also allow you to move freely. They recently had some plumbing issues, so you’re there for that if anyone asks.”

Walking up to the door, I swing it open and step in. The room I enter is bright enough allowing me to make out more shadows. Thankfully, the room is empty.

“They’re leading Nolan downstairs,” Zel says into the earpiece. “You’re going to come out of this room and take an immediate left.”

I follow his directions. There is much more traffic in the hallway. I weave through the few people I come into contact with. Sure enough, no one stops me or asks me any questions. This maintenance man cover up is brilliant.

“About ten paces ahead, there is an elevator to your right. You’re going to take that down to the basement.”

As I listen to Zel, I’m caught off guard when someone bumps into my side.

“I’m so sorry,” the female says as I turn to face her.

“It’s alright,” I say as I try to continue walking.

“Wait, are you here for the plumbing?”

“Umm, yeah.”

“Perfect, you can help me.” She grabs my arm and starts pulling me in the opposite direction of the elevator.

“You could shoot her,” Beast says through the earpiece. Beast and Maksim are parked a block away in the suburban, ready to intervene if things go wrong. They are using the camera view from my glasses to see what I’m seeing.

“No unnecessary bodies, brother,” Maksim says, sounding exasperated.

“Maksim is correct,” Red says through the earpiece. “Just see what she needs.”

The female hauls me through a narrow door. I look around the dimly lit room, unable to make out anything. Soft music is playing in the background and the smell of incense floats through the air.

“You’re in a massage room. Watch out, there’s a table in front of you.”

Just in time, I sidestep the table Lucien warned me about. Placing my hand on the soft surface, I run my finger along the edge to find where it ends.

“See,” the female says. She isn’t moving anymore so I stop too.

“It’s a sink,” Lucien explains.

“What’s wrong with it?” I ask the obvious question any service worker would ask.

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