The faint red laser light from the night before remained etched in Ethan’s memory like a razor blade across his pupils. This morning, the air around the Thorne Corp building felt heavier, as if the oxygen was being sucked out by a predator hiding behind the concrete pillars. "Ethan, are you daydreaming again? Hurry up and bring my bag upstairs!" Clara’s voice shattered his concentration just as their car parked in its favorite underground spot. Ethan stepped out of the car, his eyes continuously scanning the silent parking area. He caught the reflection of a silhouette in the rearview mirror of a car parked far in the corner. They’re moving fast, he thought coldly. "Clara, stay close to me," Ethan said. His voice was flat, but there was a low tone Clara had never heard before. Clara frowne
