The black car sliced through the sleeping city, its tires whispering against the asphalt. Elijha sat in the back seat, his heart pounding like a war drum. The air inside was thick with silence, except for the occasional drag of a cigarette and the soft click of a lighter.
The man beside him, the broad-shouldered one called Rehan, was watching him closely. His sharp eyes missed nothing.
"You look nervous," Rehan finally said.
Elijha straightened his posture. "I'm not."
A smirk tugged at the corner of Rehan's lips. "Good. Because if you mess up tonight, you won't have a chance to be nervous again."
The words were meant to intimidate, but they only fueled Elijha's determination. He had already made his choice. There was no turning back.
The car rolled to a stop in front of an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The place was eerie—silent, except for the occasional rustle of the wind against broken glass. The other men got out first, their movements swift and practiced.
Elijha followed.
Rehan pulled out a small black bag and tossed it at Elijha. "You're on delivery duty," he said.
Elijha caught the bag, its weight heavier than he expected. He didn't need to ask what was inside.
Rehan's voice dropped low. "Take this to a man named Vikram. He'll be waiting in the alley behind the red café. Don't talk. Don't ask questions. Just hand it over and walk away."
Elijha nodded.
Another man chuckled. "If the cops stop you, you don't know us. Understood?"
Elijha's grip tightened on the bag. "Understood."
Rehan clapped him on the shoulder. "Good. Then go."
---
Elijha walked alone through the dimly lit streets. Every shadow felt like it held a pair of watching eyes. His pulse was steady, but his mind was racing.
He reached the red café and turned into the alley behind it. A single streetlight flickered above, casting a dull glow on the damp pavement.
A man was waiting. Vikram.
He was tall and lean, dressed in all black. His face was partially hidden under the brim of a cap.
"You got it?" Vikram's voice was rough, impatient.
Elijha didn't answer. He simply extended the bag.
Vikram snatched it from his hand, quickly unzipping it. He inspected the contents for a moment before nodding.
"Good," he muttered, stuffing the bag inside his coat. "Tell Rehan the deal is set."
Elijha turned to leave.
But then—
A sudden shout broke the silence.
"Police! Hands where we can see them!"
Bright blue and red lights exploded against the alley walls.
Elijha's breath caught. Cops.
Vikram cursed under his breath and took off running, disappearing into the darkness. Elijha stood frozen for a fraction of a second before his instincts screamed at him—Run!
He bolted.
The officers yelled behind him, their footsteps pounding against the pavement. The chase had begun.
And if he got caught, everything would be over before it even started.
---