At 9:33 PM, the building’s side door opened.
A woman stepped out.
Short hair.
Office attire.
The liaison.
She walked like she owned the street, calm. She stood near Ramos, not touching him, but close enough to look like a team.
She looked across at me and smiled slightly, like she’d been waiting for this scene.
Ramos spoke to her without turning fully. “He’s still stubborn.”
The liaison replied softly, “Stubborn is fine. Fear is the lever.”
Ramos nodded.
Then he raised his voice slightly, addressing me again. “Cross the street, Shun. Ten minutes. We talk inside. Then you go home. Your family sleeps.”
I didn’t move.
Ramos’ smile hardened. “Cross.”
I answered calmly, “No.”
A small silence. Then Ramos’ voice went lower, like a warning. “You’re making it difficult.”
I met his ey
