"Wait here," I whispered to Nathaniel as we reached the entrance of the abandoned factory. The corrugated metal walls were rusted, and shattered windows gaped like missing teeth.
"I don't like this," Nathaniel murmured, his hand resting protectively on the small of my back.
Raymond, Nathaniel's assistant, nodded in agreement. "This place looks unstable, Mrs. Ricardo."
I shook my head. "Hugo was specific. I go in alone, or no deal."
Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "Five minutes. Then we're coming in."
The factory's interior was pitch black. Musty air filled my lungs as I stepped forward cautiously, my phone's flashlight casting eerie shadows across broken machinery.
"Uncle Hugo?" I called out, my voice echoing. "I'm here."
A shuffling noise came from somewhere ahead. I swung my light toward it.
"Got my money?" Hugo's voice rasped from the darkness.
"Half now, half when I see proof," I reminded him, inching forward. "Show yourself."
"Turn off that damn light first!"
