"You lead," Dmitri gestured to Johannes. "We follow at distance. Any sudden moves, don't blame us for what happens next."
Johannes nodded without arguing.
Elias was his main concern. Making an enemy out of a possible ally was not.
They moved through back streets and service alleys, avoiding open roads and areas where the civilians might encounter them.
Dmitri counted the steps without meaning to do so. Corners, blind angles. Fallback routes.
Countless scenarios formed in his mind, yet despite it all, his face remained neutral.
Johannes did not rush and they did not linger; after a few more turns, they stopped.
The building looked unremarkable, the kind anyone would assume was abandoned because of the wreckage and age.
Dmitri raised a hand, "Doors."
Johannes signaled Evelyn and Marcus, and the shutters rolled back to reveal only a dark entrance.
Dmitri waited seven seconds, listening for movement before he stepped closer.
