Emily and Oliver ran across Los Angeles, the streets blurring in a symphony of lights and shadows. Usually so vibrant and energetic, the city seemed shockingly silent after their despair. Oliver's previous disclosure of the nefarious intentions had left Emily spinning with terror and determination. Time was running out and she had to locate James.
Oliver walked her fast and deliberately through a labyrinth of darkly lighted streets and back alleyways. To last they arrived at a modest warehouse on the outskirts of town, its façade run-down and understated. The rusting doors and grime-covered windows of the structure appeared to hide more than they exposed.
Oliver remarked, his voice tight and low, "This is the location." "I got a tip-off that James would be kept here. We need to exercis
