“Don’t touch that.””
Jordan’s hand came between Marcus and the newest car in the showroom before Marcus’s fingers could close around the chrome door handle.
The movement was fast enough to make several people turn.
Marcus stopped.
He looked at Jordan’s hand.
Then at Jordan.
Then at the car.
The vehicle sat beneath the showroom lights like it belonged in a magazine—black metallic paint, flawless curves, cream leather visible through the glass, the kind of machine that made people lower their voices when they stood near it.
Marcus didn’t move.
Jordan, a Black American man in his early thirties wearing a fitted gray suit, straightened his jacket and gave Marcus a thin smile.
“I said don’t touch that,” Jordan repeated.
Marcus slowly lowered his hand.
Across the polished marble floor, Vanessa watched from beside the reception desk.
She was the showroom manager, dressed in an elegant black suit, her posture perfectly straight. She had been watching the exchange with an amused expression, one eyebrow slightly raised.
A couple near another premium car glanced over.
Two showroom employees exchanged looks.
One of them quietly laughed.
Marcus heard it.
He didn't react.
He simply studied the car again.
Jordan stepped closer.
“Those vehicles aren't display toys,” he said.
“They're for qualified customers.””
Marcus looked at him.
“I wanted to ask about this model.””
His voice was calm.
Almost too calm.
Jordan gave a short laugh.
“About the model?””
Marcus nodded.
Vanessa finally walked toward them, her heels clicking sharply against the marble.
“Jordan,” she said, without taking her eyes off Marcus, “it's fine.””
Jordan stepped aside.
Vanessa stopped several feet away from Marcus.
Her smile was polished.
Professional.
But there was something dismissive underneath it.
“This showroom is for serious buyers,” Vanessa said.
Marcus glanced around.
Bright glass walls.
Perfectly arranged vehicles.
Reception desk.
Black leather chairs.
Employees in tailored clothing.
Customers holding brochures and coffee cups.
Then he looked back at her.
“I understand.””
Vanessa folded her arms.
“Do you?””
Marcus nodded.
“Yes.””
One of the staff members behind Vanessa covered a smile.
Another whispered something to a coworker.
Marcus heard that too.
He didn't look at them.
Vanessa tilted her head.
“If you're looking for general information, our website has everything.””
“I wanted to ask someone directly.””
“You've done that.””
Marcus looked at the car again.
“What does this one cost?””
Jordan laughed under his breath.
Vanessa's smile widened.
“That depends on the configuration.””
“I see.””
“And financing,” she added, “is handled after an application.””
Marcus nodded.
“Okay.””
Jordan looked at Marcus's faded jeans, plain dark work shirt, and worn boots.
His eyes traveled down and back up.
“You sure you're in the right showroom?””
The room went quiet for half a second.
Marcus looked at him.
“Yes.””
Jordan shrugged.
“Just checking.””
Vanessa turned toward the reception desk.
“Jordan, please help the other customers.””
Jordan smiled.
“Absolutely.””
He walked away, but not before glancing back at Marcus.
Marcus remained beside the car.
He wasn't angry.
He wasn't embarrassed.
He looked almost detached, as though he were watching a scene that had nothing to do with him.
Vanessa noticed.
Her smile faded slightly.
“Sir,” she said, “is there something else?””
Marcus looked at her.
“Yes.””
“What?””
He reached into his pocket.
For one moment, Vanessa seemed to expect a wallet.
Instead, Marcus walked past her.
Not toward the cars.
Toward the reception desk.
His boots made soft, deliberate sounds against the marble.
The laughter behind him stopped.
Marcus reached the counter.
He placed something on it.
An old black key fob.
It was scratched around the edges.
The plastic looked worn from years of use.
Vanessa stared at it.
Jordan stopped walking.
Marcus rested one hand beside the key fob.
Then he looked directly at Vanessa.
“Could you call the owner?””
Vanessa blinked.
Her expression changed.
Only slightly.
But Marcus noticed.
She looked down at the key fob again.
Then back at him.
“And why would I do that?””
Marcus said nothing.
The showroom suddenly felt much quieter.
Vanessa kept staring at the worn black object.
Marcus calmly picked it up.
And pressed a tiny button hidden along its side.
A small red light began blinking.
Vanessa's smile disappeared.
Completely.
Marcus looked around at the silent staff.
The vibration came again.
Bzzzt.
Vanessa looked down.
Her phone was still on the reception counter.
She didn't pick it up.
Marcus did not move.
The tiny red light on the old key fob continued blinking between them.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Jordan walked back toward the reception desk.
“What is that?”” he asked.
Vanessa didn't answer.
Jordan looked at her face.
“Vanessa?””
She finally reached for the phone.
Marcus watched her fingers.
They were steady at first.
Then they weren't.
She picked up the phone and turned the screen toward herself.
Her eyes moved across it.
Something in her expression tightened.
Marcus noticed.
“You wanted me to leave,” he said quietly.
Vanessa looked up.
“I didn't say that.””
“You pointed to the door.””
“I was trying to help you.””
Jordan glanced between them.
“What's going on?””
Vanessa locked her phone.
“Nothing.””
Jordan frowned.
“Nothing?””
“Go back to the floor, Jordan.””
“But—”
“I said go.””
Jordan hesitated.
He looked at Marcus again.
For the first time, the smugness was gone.
Marcus picked up the key fob.
He turned it over in his hand.
Jordan stared at it.
“Is that some kind of tracker?””
Marcus didn't answer.
Jordan stepped closer.
“Who are you?””
Vanessa snapped her eyes toward him.
“Jordan.””
“What?””
“Stop.””
Jordan looked confused.
Marcus placed the key fob back on the counter.
The red light continued blinking.
A customer nearby pretended to examine the stitching on a leather seat, but his eyes kept drifting toward the reception desk.
A staff member quietly moved farther away.
Vanessa noticed all of it.
She leaned toward Marcus.
“You need to understand something.””
Marcus waited.
“This is private property.””
“I know.””
“You can't just walk in here and start—”
“Start what?””
Vanessa stopped.
Marcus's voice had never risen.
That made it worse.
Vanessa lowered hers.
“Whatever you're doing.””
Marcus looked at the key fob.
“I'm not doing much.””
Jordan let out a nervous laugh.
“Then why is that thing flashing?””
Marcus turned toward him.
“Maybe you should ask Vanessa.””
Jordan looked at Vanessa.
She didn't respond.
The phone vibrated again.
This time, Vanessa immediately grabbed it.
She read the screen.
Her face went pale.
Marcus watched her.
“What does it say?””
“Nothing.””
Marcus gave a faint nod.
“Of course.””
Vanessa slipped the phone into her jacket pocket.
“I'm asking you to leave.””
Marcus looked at her.
“Again?””
“Yes.””
“Why?””
“Because this isn't appropriate.””
Marcus glanced around the showroom.
“What's inappropriate?””
Vanessa's jaw tightened.
“This.””
She pointed at the key fob.
Marcus picked it up.
“You're afraid of this?””
“No.””
“You look afraid.””
“I am not afraid.””
Jordan looked at Vanessa.
“You're shaking.””
She turned sharply.
“Jordan.””
He stopped.
Marcus watched them both.
There was a strange rhythm to the room now.
Every time the red light blinked, somebody looked at it.
Blink.
Look.
Blink.
Look away.
Marcus finally slipped the key fob into his palm.
“Let's make this simple.””
Vanessa stared at him.
“I ask one question.””
“What question?””
Marcus looked toward the newest luxury car.
“Who owns it?””
Vanessa's face changed again.
Just for a second.
Marcus caught it.
Jordan did too.
“I don't know what you're talking about,” Vanessa said.
Marcus nodded.
“That's interesting.””
“What is?””
“You answered too quickly.””
Vanessa stepped closer.
“Sir, you need to leave.””
Marcus smiled faintly.
“Still?””
“Yes.””
“Then call the owner.””
“I don't need to.””
“Why?””
Vanessa opened her mouth.
Nothing came out.
The phone in her pocket vibrated again.
Bzzzt.
This time, the sound seemed deafening.
Jordan looked at her.
“Vanessa…”
She pulled the phone out.
Her thumb hovered over the screen.
Marcus watched.
“Go ahead,” he said.
She looked at him.
“Go ahead and what?””
“Read it.””
Vanessa's eyes hardened.
“You have no right—”
Her phone screen suddenly lit up.
A new message appeared.
She read it.
And the color drained from her face.
Marcus saw her expression.
He didn't need to see the message.
Not yet.
He simply looked at the phone.
Then at Vanessa.
Then at the blinking red light in his hand.
“Interesting,” he said again.
Vanessa stared at her phone as if the screen had betrayed her.
Jordan leaned toward her.
“What?””
She pulled the phone against her chest.
“Nothing.””
Jordan shook his head.
“No. You just said that's impossible.””
Vanessa looked at him.
“Go help the customers.””
“Vanessa, what is happening?””
“Now.””
Jordan didn't move.
Marcus stood across the reception desk, completely still.
The showroom lights reflected across the polished marble beneath his boots.
The key fob rested between his fingers.
The tiny red light blinked.
Vanessa looked at it.
Blink.
Her eyes returned to Marcus.
Blink.
She swallowed.
Marcus noticed.
“You should probably answer him.””
Vanessa's voice was barely above a whisper.
“I don't know what you think you're doing.””
Marcus tilted his head.
“I haven't said what I'm doing.””
“You walked in here.””
“Yes.””
“You touched a vehicle.””
“I tried to.””
“Then you put that device on the counter.””
Marcus looked at the key fob.
“I didn't put it on the car.””
Vanessa's eyes narrowed.
“No.””
Marcus waited.
She looked around the showroom.
Every employee suddenly seemed interested in anything except the reception desk.
One man pretended to organize brochures.
A woman wiped an already spotless counter.
Jordan remained frozen beside a display vehicle.
Vanessa lowered her voice.
“You need to stop.””
Marcus looked at her.
“Stop what?””
“You know.””
“I don't.””
She stared at him.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Marcus placed both hands flat on the counter.
“Call the owner.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“I can't.””
“Why?””
“He's not available.””
Marcus glanced at her phone.
“Your phone seems to disagree.””
Vanessa's grip tightened around it.
Jordan finally spoke.
“Vanessa, maybe you should just call him.””
She turned toward him.
“You don't understand.””
“Then explain it.””
“I said you don't understand.””
Marcus watched them.
The tension between the two employees was now almost as strong as the tension between Marcus and Vanessa.
Jordan took a step toward Vanessa.
“What did he send you?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Jordan's eyes dropped to the phone.
“Let me see it.””
“No.””
“Why not?””
“Because I said no.””
Marcus quietly said, “That's enough.””
Jordan looked at him.
Marcus's expression remained calm.
“You don't need to argue.””
Jordan frowned.
“You're the one causing this.””
Marcus nodded.
“Maybe.””
The answer seemed to unsettle Jordan more than an argument would have.
Vanessa looked toward the showroom entrance.
The glass doors were only a few yards away.
Marcus followed her eyes.
Then he looked back.
“You keep looking at the door.””
“I manage this showroom.””
“I noticed.””
“I have customers.””
“I noticed that too.””
“And you're disrupting my business.””
Marcus smiled faintly.
“Then why hasn't anyone asked me to leave?””
Vanessa froze.
Jordan looked toward the other employees.
Nobody moved.
Nobody spoke.
Marcus slowly lifted the key fob.
The red light blinked against his fingertips.
Vanessa's eyes locked onto it.
“What is that recording?””
Marcus said nothing.
“What did you record?””
Still nothing.
“Marcus—”
She stopped.
The room went silent.
Jordan looked at her.
Marcus looked at her.
Vanessa's eyes widened slightly.
She had said his name.
She knew it.
Marcus didn't ask how.
He only watched her.
Vanessa quickly looked away.
“I meant—”
Marcus interrupted softly.
“You know my name.””
“I've seen your name.””
“Where?””
She didn't answer.
Jordan looked between them.
“You know him?””
Vanessa's face tightened.
“No.””
Marcus gave a quiet breath that almost sounded like a laugh.
“That's another interesting answer.””
Vanessa stepped back.
Her phone vibrated.
She looked down.
This time, Marcus didn't ask her to read it.
She did anyway.
Her eyes moved across the screen.
Then stopped.
Her lips parted.
Jordan leaned closer.
“What does it say?””
Vanessa whispered, “I can't.””
“What?””
“I can't read this.””
Marcus watched her.
“Read it.””
Vanessa slowly raised her eyes.
Their gazes met.
For the first time, Marcus saw genuine fear on her face.
Not irritation.
Not embarrassment.
Fear.
She turned the phone around.
The screen was visible from across the counter.
A message from *SHOWROOM OWNER*.
*DO NOT LET THAT MAN LEAVE.*
Jordan stared at it.
Vanessa couldn't move.
Marcus looked at the message.
Then at Vanessa.
The faintest smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
He picked up the old key fob.
The red light blinked once more.
Marcus leaned slightly toward the counter.
Vanessa did not answer.
For three seconds, the entire showroom seemed to hold its breath.
Then the glass entrance doors clicked.
Locked.
Jordan turned toward them.
“Why are the doors locked?””
Vanessa looked at the reception console.
“I didn't lock them.””
Jordan walked to the entrance and pulled the handle.
Nothing.
He tried again, harder.
“Vanessa.””
“I said I didn't lock them.””
Marcus remained beside the reception desk, the old black key fob resting in his palm.
The red light blinked.
Once.
Jordan turned around.
“Who locked the doors?””
No one answered.
A customer near the waiting area quietly stepped away from the entrance.
Another staff member picked up her phone.
Vanessa noticed.
“Everyone stay where you are.””
Marcus looked at her.
“You're giving orders now?””
Vanessa's eyes flashed.
“This is my showroom.””
Marcus glanced toward the locked doors.
“Apparently not.””
Jordan walked back toward them.
“What did the owner mean?””
Vanessa looked at him.
“Don't ask questions.””
“That message literally told us not to let him leave.””
Jordan pointed at Marcus.
“Who is he?””
Vanessa's mouth tightened.
“I don't know.””
Marcus looked at her.
“You keep saying that.””
“Because it's true.””
“Then why are you scared?””
Vanessa said nothing.
Jordan looked from her to Marcus.
“You two have met before.””
Marcus shook his head.
“I never said that.””
Jordan frowned.
“You don't have to.””
Vanessa's phone vibrated again.
Everyone heard it.
She stared at the pocket of her jacket.
Marcus slowly raised his eyebrows.
“Go ahead.””
Vanessa pulled out the phone.
A new message appeared.
*OWNER: KEEP HIM AT THE FRONT DESK. DO NOT APPROACH THE CAR.*
Vanessa's eyes immediately moved toward the black luxury car.
Marcus noticed.
So did Jordan.
Jordan looked at the vehicle.
“What is special about that car?””
Vanessa locked her phone.
“Nothing.””
Marcus looked at her.
“Then why can't I approach it?””
“I didn't say you couldn't.””
“The message did.””
Vanessa's face went rigid.
Jordan stepped closer.
“Let me see.””
“No.””
“Vanessa, we're all standing here with locked doors.””
“Jordan, back away.””
He stared at her.
“You're hiding something.””
Vanessa's voice dropped.
“You have no idea what you're talking about.””
Marcus quietly placed the key fob on the marble counter.
The red light continued blinking.
Jordan looked at it.
“That's been blinking the entire time.””
Marcus nodded.
“Yes.””
“What does it do?””
Marcus looked at him.
“Ask Vanessa.””
Jordan turned toward her.
“Seriously?””
Vanessa snapped, “I don't know.””
Marcus smiled faintly.
“You know more than you think.””
Vanessa's phone vibrated a third time.
This time, her hand shook.
She looked down.
Her face went completely still.
Jordan saw it.
“What now?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Marcus watched her thumb scroll.
Then her eyes widened.
“What did he send?”” Jordan asked.
Vanessa slowly lifted the phone.
There was no text.
Only a photograph.
A live image from inside the showroom.
The picture showed Vanessa, Jordan, and Marcus standing at the reception desk.
Taken from somewhere above them.
Jordan looked up.
His face drained of color.
“That's us.””
Vanessa stared at the ceiling.
Marcus didn't look up.
Instead, he looked at the key fob.
The red light blinked.
Jordan whispered, “Is the camera in here?””
Marcus finally looked at him.
“Yes.””
Jordan took a step backward.
“Where?””
Marcus's eyes moved across the ceiling.
“Somewhere.””
Vanessa suddenly slammed her palm onto the counter.
“Enough!””
The sharp sound echoed through the showroom.
Everyone jumped.
Vanessa pointed at Marcus.
“You need to tell me what you want.””
Marcus studied her.
“I already told you.””
“To speak to the owner?””
“Yes.””
“He's not coming.””
Marcus's expression didn't change.
“Then why did he lock the doors?””
Vanessa went silent.
Marcus looked toward the entrance.
Then back at her.
“Maybe he wants to make sure I stay.””
Vanessa swallowed.
“That doesn't mean anything.””
Marcus picked up the key fob.
The red light blinked again.
“Maybe.””
He turned toward the luxury car.
Vanessa immediately stepped in front of him.
“No.””
Marcus stopped.
Jordan stared at her.
“Vanessa…”
She didn't move.
Marcus looked down at her shoes, then back at her face.
“Why?””
Vanessa's lips parted.
Before she could answer, the showroom lights flickered.
Once.
Twice.
Then the large glass doors behind them unlocked with a loud metallic click.
Everyone turned.
The doors slowly opened.
But nobody was standing outside.
Vanessa's phone vibrated.
She looked down.
A new message appeared.
*OWNER: HE'S NOT THERE FOR THE CAR.*
Vanessa slowly raised her eyes toward Marcus.
Marcus was already watching her.
Then his phone began to ring.
Marcus stared at the name on his phone.
He didn't answer.
The ringing continued.
Vanessa watched him.
Jordan watched Vanessa.
The showroom staff watched all three.
Finally, Jordan asked, “Who is calling?””
Marcus silenced the phone.
“Nobody you need to worry about.””
Vanessa's voice was tense.
“Answer it.””
Marcus looked at her.
“Why?””
“Because you clearly know what's happening.””
“I didn't say that.””
“You don't have to.””
The phone rang again.
Marcus glanced down.
The same caller.
He let it ring.
Vanessa took one step forward.
“Answer.””
Marcus slipped the phone into his pocket.
“No.””
Jordan stared at him.
“You're enjoying this.””
Marcus looked at him.
“No.””
“Then why aren't you scared?””
Marcus's eyes moved toward the locked doors.
“They opened.””
Jordan followed his gaze.
The entrance was now completely open.
Outside, the bright afternoon street was visible through the glass.
No one stood there.
No security guard.
No owner.
No police.
Nothing.
Vanessa walked toward the entrance.
Marcus said, “Don't.””
She stopped.
Slowly, she turned.
“Why?””
Marcus pointed at the floor.
A thin black cable ran beneath the reception desk and disappeared toward the showroom's main display area.
Jordan noticed it too.
“What is that?””
Vanessa stared.
“I don't know.””
Marcus walked closer.
The cable disappeared beneath the black luxury car.
Jordan's face tightened.
“You said the car wasn't special.””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Marcus looked at her.
“You're lying.””
She snapped back.
“You've been lying since you walked through that door.””
Marcus nodded.
“Maybe.””
Jordan looked between them.
“This is insane.””
He stepped toward the vehicle.
Vanessa grabbed his arm.
“Don't.””
Jordan pulled free.
“Why?””
“Because I said so.””
He stared at her.
Then at the car.
Then at Marcus.
“You're both hiding something.””
Marcus said quietly, “That's becoming obvious.””
Jordan's phone suddenly vibrated.
He pulled it out.
His expression changed.
Vanessa noticed.
“What?””
Jordan stared at his screen.
“It's from the owner.””
Vanessa moved toward him.
“What did he say?””
Jordan hesitated.
“Show me.””
He turned the phone toward her.
A single sentence filled the screen.
*GET AWAY FROM THE CAR.*
Vanessa's eyes widened.
Marcus looked at the vehicle.
Jordan took a step backward.
“Why?””
No answer.
He looked toward Vanessa.
“Why does he keep telling us to stay away from it?””
Vanessa's breathing became faster.
“I don't know.””
Marcus walked toward the car.
Vanessa immediately blocked him.
“You heard the message.””
“I did.””
“Then stop.””
Marcus looked past her.
The vehicle's glossy surface reflected the showroom lights.
“Move.””
“No.””
“Vanessa.””
“You don't understand what you're doing.””
Marcus's voice remained calm.
“Then explain it.””
She couldn't.
Jordan stepped closer.
“Vanessa, tell him.””
She shook her head.
“Not here.””
Marcus caught the words.
“Not here?””
Vanessa realized her mistake.
Jordan did too.
Marcus asked, “Where, then?””
Vanessa looked toward the glass walls.
Her eyes moved to the customers.
The employees.
The cameras.
Then back to Marcus.
“I need everyone out.””
Jordan stared at her.
“What?””
“Everyone. Now.””
One of the employees asked, “Why?””
Vanessa raised her voice.
“Please clear the showroom.””
The customers began moving toward the exit.
Marcus didn't move.
Jordan stayed.
When the last customer stepped outside, Vanessa walked to the entrance and looked through the glass.
Then she locked the doors again.
Jordan stared at her.
“You just locked us in.””
Vanessa turned around.
“Yes.””
Marcus looked at her.
“Why?””
Vanessa walked back toward the desk.
Her face had lost all color.
“Because if the owner is watching us…”
She stopped.
Marcus waited.
“…then he already knows we're alone.””
A sound came from the black luxury car.
Click.
Everyone turned.
The driver's door unlocked by itself.
Jordan whispered, “What the hell?””
Marcus stared at the car.
Vanessa backed away.
The interior lights came on.
And beneath the driver's seat, something began blinking red.
Marcus looked down at the old key fob in his hand.
Nobody moved.
The luxury car sat in the center of the showroom with its driver's door slightly open.
The cream leather interior glowed beneath the overhead lights.
Jordan whispered, “That wasn't open before.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“No.””
Marcus looked at the key fob.
The red light remained solid.
He stepped toward the vehicle.
Vanessa immediately said, “Don't.””
Marcus stopped.
“Why?””
She looked at the open door.
“I don't know.””
Marcus glanced at her.
“You do.””
“I don't.””
Jordan stepped closer to Vanessa.
“You told everyone to leave.””
“Yes.””
“You locked the doors.””
“Yes.””
“And now that thing opened by itself.””
Vanessa's breathing became shallow.
“Yes.””
Jordan stared at her.
“And you're still saying you don't know what's happening?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Marcus walked toward the car.
Jordan moved beside him.
“What are you doing?””
“Looking.””
“At what?””
“Whatever she doesn't want us to see.””
Vanessa stepped between them.
“You cannot touch that vehicle.””
Marcus looked at her.
“Why?””
“Because it's not ready.””
“For what?””
She hesitated.
Jordan caught it.
“For what, Vanessa?””
She looked away.
Marcus reached the driver's door.
He didn't touch it.
He simply looked inside.
The red light beneath the driver's seat continued glowing.
He crouched.
Vanessa's voice sharpened.
“Marcus.””
He looked up.
“You know my name.””
She froze.
Jordan looked at her.
“You said you didn't know him.””
“I don't.””
“You just called him Marcus.””
Vanessa closed her eyes for a moment.
Marcus stood.
“Who told you my name?””
She opened her eyes.
“I heard it.””
“From whom?””
Silence.
Marcus took another step toward the car.
Vanessa moved backward.
“Don't.””
Marcus pointed toward the floor.
“Then tell me what's under the seat.””
“I can't.””
“You can.””
“No.””
Jordan looked at her.
“Why can't you?””
Vanessa's eyes filled with panic.
“Because I was told never to open it.””
Marcus stared at her.
“By the owner?””
She nodded.
“When?””
“Today.””
Marcus's expression tightened.
“Before I arrived?””
“Yes.””
Jordan looked at the locked entrance.
“So the owner knew he was coming.””
Vanessa didn't respond.
Marcus crouched again.
The red light beneath the seat suddenly went out.
The showroom fell silent.
Then the car's dashboard lit up.
A small screen displayed one word:
*CONNECTED.*
Jordan took a step backward.
“Connected to what?””
Marcus didn't answer.
Vanessa whispered, “No.””
Marcus looked at her.
“What?””
She shook her head.
“He said this couldn't happen.””
“Who?””
Vanessa stared at the screen.
“The owner.””
Marcus stood.
“What did he say?””
“He said…”
Her voice cracked.
Jordan stepped closer.
“Say it.””
Vanessa swallowed.
“He said if that light ever turned solid, I was supposed to call him immediately.””
Marcus looked at the phone in her hand.
“So call him.””
“I tried.””
“When?””
“Before you came.””
Marcus's eyes narrowed.
“And?””
“He didn't answer.””
Jordan's phone vibrated.
He looked down.
Another message.
His face went pale.
Vanessa noticed.
“What?””
Jordan slowly raised his phone.
The message was from the same number.
*DO NOT TRUST VANESSA.*
Vanessa stared at the screen.
Jordan looked at her.
“You need to explain that.””
“I can't.””
Marcus looked at the message.
Then at Vanessa.
Then at the car.
The pieces still didn't fit.
That was the part that bothered him.
The owner knew Marcus was there.
The owner had instructed Vanessa not to let him leave.
The doors had locked.
The car had opened.
And now Jordan had received a warning about Vanessa.
Marcus reached into his pocket.
His fingers closed around the old key fob.
The red light remained solid.
He pressed the hidden button once.
Nothing happened.
He pressed it again.
A small mechanical click came from beneath the car.
Vanessa gasped.
Marcus looked down.
A narrow compartment beneath the driver's seat had opened.
Inside was a black envelope.
No name.
No logo.
Just one handwritten word on the front.
*MARCUS.*
Jordan stared at it.
Vanessa covered her mouth.
Marcus didn't reach for the envelope.
He simply looked at it.
Then his phone rang again.
This time, the screen showed a number he recognized.
He answered.
A man's voice came through.
“Marcus, listen carefully.””
Marcus said nothing.
The voice continued.
“You need to get out of that showroom before—”
The call abruptly cut off.
Marcus slowly lowered the phone.
Vanessa was staring at him.
Jordan whispered, “What did he say?””
Marcus looked at the black envelope beneath the seat.
Then at the locked glass doors.
Then at Vanessa.
“I think,” he said quietly, “someone wants me to open this.””
The envelope shifted slightly.
Marcus did not touch the envelope.
For several seconds, nobody breathed normally.
The black envelope remained in the open compartment beneath the driver's seat, its handwritten name facing upward.
*MARCUS.*
Jordan stared at it.
“Did you see that move?””
Marcus nodded.
“Yes.””
Vanessa took another step backward.
“Don't open it.””
Marcus looked at her.
“You've said that before.””
“This is different.””
“How?””
Vanessa's eyes stayed fixed on the envelope.
“I don't know.””
Marcus almost smiled.
“You always say that when you know something.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“You don't understand.””
“Then explain it.””
“I can't.””
Jordan suddenly stepped toward her.
“You keep saying that.””
Vanessa looked at him.
“Jordan, please.””
“No. I'm done.””
He pointed toward the envelope.
“First you tell us the owner doesn't know him. Then you know his name. Then the owner sends messages telling us not to let him leave. Then he tells me not to trust you.””
Vanessa's face tightened.
“And now there's an envelope with Marcus's name inside a car you told us nobody was supposed to touch.””
Jordan's voice rose.
“What exactly are you hiding?””
Vanessa looked at Marcus.
“I was told to follow instructions.””
“By the owner?””
“Yes.””
“What instructions?””
“Keep the car here.””
Marcus glanced at the vehicle.
“Why?””
“I wasn't told.””
He looked back at her.
“That's convenient.””
Vanessa's jaw clenched.
“I was told one other thing.””
Marcus waited.
“If you came in…”
She stopped.
Jordan leaned forward.
“If he came in, what?””
Vanessa swallowed.
“I was supposed to make sure you didn't reach the car.””
Marcus looked at the open driver's door.
“You failed.””
“I know.””
The words came out almost inaudibly.
Jordan stared at her.
Marcus crouched beside the compartment.
His hand moved toward the envelope.
Vanessa suddenly said, “Marcus.””
He stopped.
She looked frightened.
“Before you open it, you need to understand something.””
Marcus looked up.
“What?””
“If the owner wanted you to have that…”
She pointed toward the envelope.
“…he wouldn't have hidden it.””
Marcus studied her.
“Unless he wanted me to find it without him being seen.””
Vanessa said nothing.
Jordan looked toward the ceiling.
“Are we still being watched?””
Marcus glanced at the red camera light reflected in the car's glossy hood.
“Yes.””
Jordan's face hardened.
“Then let them watch.””
Marcus pulled the envelope from the compartment.
It was heavier than it looked.
He turned it over.
No seal.
No address.
No date.
Only his name.
He slid one finger beneath the flap.
Vanessa closed her eyes.
“Don't.””
Marcus opened it.
Inside was a single photograph.
He pulled it out.
Jordan moved closer.
Vanessa stayed where she was.
Marcus looked at the photograph.
His expression changed.
Barely.
But enough.
Jordan noticed.
“What is it?””
Marcus didn't answer.
Jordan reached for the photograph.
Marcus handed it to him.
Jordan looked down.
His mouth fell open.
“What the…”
Vanessa stepped closer despite herself.
“What is it?””
Jordan held the photograph toward her.
She saw it.
Then immediately stepped backward.
The picture showed the same showroom.
The same polished marble floor.
The same black luxury car.
The same reception desk.
But the photograph had clearly been taken years earlier.
And standing beside the car was Marcus.
Younger.
Wearing different clothes.
His hand rested on the hood.
Beside him stood another Black American man.
Jordan looked at Marcus.
“You know him?””
Marcus stared at the photograph.
“Yes.””
Vanessa's voice trembled.
“Who is he?””
Marcus didn't answer.
Jordan looked again.
The man's face had been scratched out with something sharp.
Only his suit remained recognizable.
Vanessa noticed a small handwritten note at the bottom of the photograph.
She leaned closer.
“What does that say?””
Marcus turned the photograph over.
There was writing on the back.
He read it silently.
Jordan watched his face.
“What?””
Marcus finally spoke.
“It says, ‘If he comes back, give him the key.’”
Jordan looked at the old black fob in Marcus's hand.
Vanessa whispered, “That's impossible.””
Marcus looked at her.
“You've said that twice.””
“Because it is.””
“What year was this showroom built?””
Vanessa hesitated.
“Seven years ago.””
Marcus looked at the photograph.
“This picture is older than that.””
Jordan frowned.
“How could that be?””
Vanessa's eyes widened.
She looked toward the showroom entrance.
Then at the walls.
Then at the car.
Marcus noticed.
“What?””
Vanessa whispered, “This isn't the original showroom.””
Jordan looked at her.
“What?””
“The owner renovated this place.””
“When?””
“Two years ago.””
Marcus studied the photograph.
“Then why does it look identical?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Jordan took the photograph back.
He stared at the image.
Then his eyes moved to the black luxury car.
“The car.””
Marcus looked at him.
Jordan pointed.
“That car.””
Marcus slowly turned.
The vehicle in the old photograph was the same model.
Same black paint.
Same unusual chrome trim.
Same cream interior.
Jordan's voice dropped.
“That's not possible.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“It was a special order.””
Marcus looked at the current vehicle.
Then the photograph.
Then the key fob.
Something clicked.
He turned the old fob over.
There was a tiny number etched into the plastic.
Jordan leaned closer.
“What does that say?””
Marcus read it.
“Seven.””
Vanessa's face went pale.
“Put it down.””
Marcus looked at her.
“Why?””
“Because that number isn't a model number.””
“What is it?””
Vanessa whispered, “It's a storage designation.””
Marcus looked toward the car.
“Storage for what?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
A loud metallic bang came from the back of the showroom.
Everyone turned.
Jordan whispered, “We're not alone.””
Another bang.
Closer.
Vanessa's phone vibrated.
She looked down.
One new message.
*OWNER: DO NOT LET MARCUS SEE THE SECOND PHOTO.*
Vanessa slowly raised her eyes.
Marcus was already looking at her.
“You're holding something.””
She didn't move.
Marcus stepped toward her.
“What did he send?””
Vanessa backed away.
“I can't show you.””
Marcus's eyes narrowed.
“Why?””
“Because…”
Vanessa held the phone against her chest.
Marcus stopped several feet away.
Jordan looked from one face to another.
“What second photograph?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Marcus's voice remained quiet.
“Show me.””
“No.””
“Vanessa.””
“I can't.””
“You can.””
She shook her head.
“If I show you, everything changes.””
Marcus looked toward the black car.
“Everything already changed.””
A sharp metallic sound came from the rear of the showroom.
Jordan spun around.
“Who's back there?””
Nobody answered.
He walked toward the hallway leading to the service area.
Marcus said, “Don't.””
Jordan stopped.
“You think someone is hiding?””
Marcus nodded.
“I think someone wants us to think they're hiding.””
Jordan frowned.
“What does that mean?””
Marcus looked at the cameras mounted near the ceiling.
“It means we're being directed.””
Vanessa stared at him.
“You figured that out?””
Marcus looked at her.
“Long before I walked in.””
Her expression tightened.
Jordan turned around.
“Then why did you come here?””
Marcus didn't answer.
Vanessa watched him.
“You knew the owner would react.””
Marcus looked at her.
“I expected him to.””
“You knew the car would be here.””
“I suspected.””
“And the key?””
Marcus held it up.
“I knew this would work.””
Jordan shook his head.
“You're not telling us anything.””
Marcus looked at him.
“Neither is she.””
Vanessa looked down.
The phone vibrated again.
She opened the message.
Her face changed.
Marcus saw it.
“Now what?””
She didn't respond.
Jordan moved toward her.
“Give me the phone.””
“No.””
“Vanessa.””
“I said no.””
Jordan reached for it.
Vanessa pulled away.
The phone slipped from her hand.
It hit the marble floor.
The screen cracked.
The message remained visible.
*OWNER: IF HE OPENS THE SECOND PHOTO, TELL HIM THE TRUTH.*
Jordan stared.
Marcus looked at Vanessa.
“What truth?””
She slowly picked up the phone.
“I don't know.””
Marcus laughed once.
Not because anything was funny.
Because the answer was becoming absurd.
“You don't know.””
Vanessa's eyes filled with frustration.
“I was never supposed to know.””
“Then why are you still here?””
She looked at him.
“Because I was paid to stay.””
Marcus's expression hardened.
“By whom?””
“The owner.””
“How much?””
Vanessa hesitated.
“Enough.””
“For what?””
“To follow instructions.””
Jordan stared at her.
“That's it?””
Vanessa turned toward him.
“You think everybody gets to choose what they do?””
Jordan didn't answer.
Marcus looked at the damaged phone.
“What was in the second photograph?””
Vanessa closed her eyes.
“I don't know.””
Marcus's patience disappeared.
“Then find out.””
He stepped toward the car.
Vanessa grabbed his arm.
“Don't.””
Marcus looked down at her hand.
She immediately released him.
“Please.””
That word changed the room.
Jordan stared at Vanessa.
Marcus looked at her face.
She wasn't arrogant anymore.
She wasn't managing the showroom.
She was afraid.
Marcus said, “Why are you protecting me?””
Vanessa shook her head.
“I'm not.””
“Yes, you are.””
“I don't want you to get hurt.””
“Why?””
She looked away.
“I can't tell you.””
Marcus studied her.
Then he walked back to the vehicle.
He opened the rear passenger door.
Vanessa gasped.
“Marcus!””
He looked inside.
Nothing.
Only cream leather.
He checked the floor.
Nothing.
Then he noticed a tiny seam beneath the rear seat.
He ran his fingers along it.
A latch clicked.
Jordan stepped closer.
“What did you find?””
Marcus pulled the seat forward.
A narrow compartment appeared.
Inside was another envelope.
This one was white.
Marcus didn't touch it.
There was writing across the front.
Not his name.
A single sentence:
*HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE REMEMBERED.*
Jordan read it.
“What does that mean?””
Vanessa covered her mouth.
Marcus stared at the words.
Something flickered behind his eyes.
A memory trying to surface.
A sound.
A room.
A voice.
Then it vanished.
He stepped back.
Jordan noticed.
“You okay?””
Marcus nodded.
“Yes.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“No.””
Marcus looked at her.
She pointed at the envelope.
“You shouldn't have found that.””
“Why?””
“Because nobody was supposed to find it.””
Marcus crouched.
He picked up the white envelope.
Vanessa whispered, “Stop.””
He opened it.
Inside was the second photograph.
Marcus pulled it out.
He looked at it.
His breathing stopped.
Jordan leaned over his shoulder.
Then froze.
The photograph showed Marcus standing inside this same showroom.
But this time, the date printed in the corner was only three months earlier.
Marcus was wearing the same faded jeans.
The same dark work shirt.
The same worn boots.
He was standing beside the black luxury car.
And beside him stood Vanessa.
Jordan looked at Vanessa.
“You were with him.””
Vanessa's face crumpled.
“I…”
Marcus turned the photograph around.
On the back, written in black ink, were six words:
*You already came here once, Marcus.*
Marcus stared at the sentence.
Then he looked at Vanessa.
“You remember this?””
She nodded slowly.
“Yes.””
“Why didn't you tell me?””
“Because you told me not to.””
Marcus went completely still.
Jordan whispered, “What?””
Vanessa looked at Marcus.
“You were here three months ago.””
Marcus stared at her.
“What did I say?””
Vanessa's eyes filled with tears.
“You asked me one question.””
“What question?””
She looked toward the black car.
Then back at him.
“You asked me…”
Her voice broke.
“…who was sitting in the driver's seat when the owner died.””
The click echoed across the showroom.
Jordan stared at the driver's seat.
The seatbelt had pulled itself across the cream leather and locked.
Vanessa whispered, “No.””
Marcus didn't move.
He looked at the photograph in his hand.
Then at the car.
Then at Vanessa.
“The owner died?””
Vanessa's eyes dropped.
“I shouldn't have said that.””
Jordan turned toward her.
“You said the owner was alive.””
“I said he was the owner.””
“You told me he was out of town.””
“I was told to say that.””
Jordan stared at her.
“By whom?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Marcus stepped toward her.
“When did he die?””
Vanessa looked at him.
“Three months ago.””
Marcus's expression remained unreadable.
“Then who's been sending the messages?””
Vanessa's lips trembled.
“I don't know.””
Marcus looked at the phone.
“You've been receiving messages from a dead man.””
“I know how it sounds.””
“It sounds impossible.””
Vanessa gave a bitter laugh.
“Exactly.””
Jordan looked toward the cameras.
“Then who's watching us?””
Marcus followed his eyes.
The red indicator above one camera suddenly turned green.
Jordan stepped backward.
“That wasn't green before.””
Marcus stared at it.
“No.””
Vanessa whispered, “He told me never to unplug them.””
“Who?””
“The owner.””
Marcus looked at her.
“After he died?””
Vanessa nodded.
“He said the cameras had to stay on.””
Jordan shook his head.
“This is insane.””
Marcus looked at the black luxury car.
“Who was sitting in the driver's seat?””
Vanessa closed her eyes.
“I don't know.””
Marcus's voice sharpened.
“You told me I asked you that before.””
“Yes.””
“So answer me now.””
“I can't.””
“Why?””
“Because I never saw the driver's face.””
Marcus looked at the photograph.
In the picture, the driver's seat was visible.
Empty.
But the rearview mirror had been adjusted toward someone sitting behind the camera.
Marcus studied it.
“Where did you take this?””
Vanessa hesitated.
“Here.””
“Who took it?””
“I don't know.””
“You're lying.””
“I swear.””
Marcus stepped closer.
“Look at the photograph.””
Vanessa did.
“There's a reflection in the window.””
She leaned closer.
Jordan joined her.
A faint reflection appeared in the glass behind Marcus.
A person.
Only a silhouette.
But the shape was unmistakably someone standing near the driver's side.
Jordan whispered, “Who is that?””
Vanessa shook her head.
“I never saw anyone.””
Marcus looked at the reflection.
Something about the figure felt familiar.
Not the face.
The posture.
The way the shoulders were held.
The angle of the head.
He had seen it somewhere.
Marcus's phone vibrated.
He pulled it out.
A message appeared from an unknown number.
*LOOK IN THE MIRROR.*
Marcus looked up.
The rearview mirror inside the car had slowly tilted toward him.
Jordan's face went pale.
“Did that just move?””
Marcus nodded.
Vanessa backed away.
“Don't go near it.””
Marcus opened the driver's door.
The interior light came on.
He sat down.
Vanessa shouted, “Marcus!””
He ignored her.
Jordan stared.
“Why are you getting in?””
Marcus looked at the steering wheel.
His fingers hovered above it.
Then he touched it.
Nothing.
He looked at the dashboard.
A digital screen illuminated.
No ignition.
No music.
No warning.
Only one message:
*WELCOME BACK.*
Marcus froze.
Jordan stepped closer.
“What does it say?””
Marcus didn't answer.
Vanessa whispered, “No.””
Jordan looked at her.
“You've seen this before.””
She nodded.
“When?””
“The last time Marcus came here.””
Marcus turned.
“You saw this screen before?””
“Yes.””
“What happened?””
“You sat exactly where you are sitting now.””
Marcus looked at the steering wheel.
“What did I do?””
Vanessa stared at him.
“You started crying.””
The words landed harder than a shout.
Marcus's jaw tightened.
“I don't cry.””
“You did.””
“When?””
“Three months ago.””
Jordan looked at Marcus.
“Why?””
Vanessa shook her head.
“You kept saying you couldn't remember.””
Marcus stared at the dashboard.
A small icon appeared.
A microphone.
Then a red recording symbol.
The old key fob in Marcus's pocket suddenly vibrated.
He pulled it out.
The light was flashing rapidly.
Jordan stepped backward.
“What does that mean?””
Marcus looked at Vanessa.
“You know.””
She shook her head.
“No.””
The car speakers crackled.
Static filled the showroom.
Everyone froze.
Then a voice came through.
A man's voice.
Deep.
Calm.
Faintly distorted.
“Marcus.””
Marcus stared at the dashboard.
Vanessa covered her mouth.
Jordan whispered, “That's the owner.””
The voice continued.
“If you're hearing this…”
Static.
A pause.
“…then you came back.””
Marcus's eyes narrowed.
The recording crackled again.
“You're going to ask Vanessa why she lied.””
Vanessa started shaking her head.
“No.””
Marcus looked at her.
The voice continued.
“And she's going to tell you she had no choice.””
Vanessa whispered, “Please.””
Marcus didn't look away from her.
The voice became clearer.
“But that's not the lie.””
The showroom went completely silent.
Jordan whispered, “Then what's the lie?””
The speakers crackled.
The voice answered.
“Vanessa wasn't the person sitting in the driver's seat.””
Vanessa suddenly screamed.
“No!””
Marcus turned toward her.
The recording continued.
“The person driving that night…”
Static swallowed the next words.
Marcus leaned closer to the dashboard.
“What?””
The voice returned for one final sentence.
“…was standing behind you.””
Marcus slowly turned.
Jordan's face went white.
Vanessa stared past Marcus.
Her eyes fixed on something behind him.
Marcus followed her gaze.
There was nobody there.
Only the showroom mirror.
And in its reflection, a Black American man stood directly behind Marcus.
Wearing the same dark work shirt.
The same faded jeans.
The same worn boots.
Marcus slowly looked down at himself.
Then back at the mirror.
Marcus turned slowly.
Nothing.
The space behind him was empty.
No man.
No movement.
Only the polished marble floor, the reception desk, and the rows of silent luxury cars.
Jordan stood near the rear of the vehicle, staring at Marcus as if he had stopped breathing.
Vanessa was pressed against the reception counter.
Her eyes remained fixed on the mirror.
Marcus looked back.
The reflection was still there.
The other Marcus stood exactly where the mirror had shown him.
Same shirt.
Same jeans.
Same boots.
Same face.
But there was one difference.
The reflection held something in its hand.
A phone.
Marcus slowly raised his own phone.
The reflection did the same.
Marcus lowered his phone.
The reflection didn't.
It stared at him.
Then the mirror flickered.
The image disappeared.
Marcus stood completely still.
Jordan finally whispered, “What did we just see?””
Marcus looked at Vanessa.
“You saw it too.””
She nodded.
“You know what that was.””
“I don't.””
“Don't lie to me.””
Vanessa's eyes filled with tears.
“I swear.””
Marcus stepped out of the car.
The dashboard immediately went dark.
The recording stopped.
Silence returned.
Then Marcus noticed something beneath the driver's seat.
A small black memory card.
He crouched and picked it up.
Jordan moved closer.
“What is that?””
Marcus held it between two fingers.
“Maybe the answer.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“No.””
Marcus looked at her.
“You're afraid of a memory card?””
“I know what's on it.””
“Then tell me.””
She wiped her eyes.
“You came here three months ago because you already knew.””
“Knew what?””
“That the owner wasn't dead.””
Marcus froze.
Jordan stared at her.
“What?””
Vanessa looked at Marcus.
“He wasn't dead when you came here.””
Marcus's expression hardened.
“Then when did he die?””
“He didn't.””
Jordan stepped forward.
“Vanessa, stop.””
She shook her head.
“I can't keep doing this.””
Marcus's voice was quiet.
“Where is he?””
Vanessa pointed toward the rear of the showroom.
“There.””
Jordan looked confused.
“There?””
“The office.””
Marcus glanced toward the glass-walled office overlooking the showroom.
The blinds were closed.
He started walking.
Vanessa grabbed his arm.
“Wait.””
Marcus looked down at her hand.
She released him.
“You need to understand what happened that night.””
“Tell me.””
Vanessa took a shaky breath.
“The owner discovered someone had been using the showroom's cars without authorization.””
“Who?””
“We never found out.””
Marcus looked toward the office.
“Keep going.””
“He installed hidden cameras. Everywhere. He wanted proof.””
Marcus looked at the old key fob.
“The key.””
Vanessa nodded.
“The key was his emergency camera controller.””
Jordan stared at it.
“So the blinking light…”
“Wasn't recording Marcus,” Vanessa said.
She looked at him.
“It was showing him what the cameras had already captured.””
Marcus frowned.
“What did they capture?””
Vanessa's voice dropped.
“You.””
Marcus didn't move.
“Doing what?””
“Walking into this showroom three months ago.””
Jordan interrupted.
“That's impossible. He said he had never been here.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“He didn't remember.””
Marcus stared at her.
“Why?””
“Because you were injured.””
A long silence followed.
Vanessa continued.
“You came here that night after an accident. The owner found you sitting in the driver's seat of that car.””
Marcus looked at the vehicle.
“The same car.””
“Yes.””
“What happened?””
“You kept asking where the owner was.””
“And?””
“He came out of his office.””
Marcus waited.
Vanessa swallowed.
“You accused him of something.””
“What?””
“I don't know.””
“You do.””
“I heard shouting. Then the cameras went offline.””
Jordan asked, “And the owner?””
Vanessa looked at Marcus.
“He disappeared.””
Marcus's eyes narrowed.
“Disappeared?””
“We searched everywhere.””
“Did you find him?””
“No.””
“Then why tell everyone he died?””
Vanessa's face crumpled.
“Because he told me to.””
Marcus stared at her.
“When?””
“Three months ago.””
Jordan shook his head.
“This makes no sense.””
Vanessa pointed at the office.
“Go look.””
Marcus walked toward it.
The door was unlocked.
He pushed it open.
The room was dark.
A desk.
Two monitors.
A leather chair.
A wall of security screens.
Marcus turned on the light.
The monitors immediately came alive.
Every camera in the showroom appeared at once.
The reception desk.
The entrance.
The black car.
The marble floor.
And the mirror.
Marcus stared at the central screen.
It showed the showroom from three months earlier.
The image was grainy but clear.
Marcus was there.
He was sitting in the driver's seat.
Vanessa stood beside the car.
And another man stood behind them.
The owner.
Alive.
Jordan stared at the monitor.
“That's him.””
Marcus stepped closer.
The recording continued.
The owner leaned toward Marcus.
His lips moved.
Marcus watched.
The audio slowly came through the speakers.
“You don't remember me, do you?””
Marcus's face tightened.
On the screen, the younger Marcus shook his head.
The owner placed something on the dashboard.
The old key fob.
Then he said something that made Marcus stop breathing.
“You built this system.””
Vanessa covered her mouth.
Marcus looked at her.
“What?””
The recording continued.
The owner spoke directly to the camera.
“Marcus designed the security system for this showroom. He installed every camera. Every sensor. Every hidden recorder.””
Jordan stared at Marcus.
“You?””
Marcus didn't answer.
On the screen, Marcus stood beside the car.
The owner continued speaking.
“And three months ago, Marcus discovered someone was stealing customer information through the showroom.””
The video changed.
Another camera angle.
A person entered the office.
The face was visible.
Jordan's face went pale.
Vanessa closed her eyes.
Marcus stared at the screen.
It was Jordan.
Jordan stepped backward.
“No.””
Marcus looked at him.
Jordan shook his head.
“That isn't me.””
The recording showed him entering the office, opening a locked drawer, and removing a small drive.
Vanessa whispered, “You were the one.””
Jordan's eyes darted toward the exit.
Marcus blocked his path.
Jordan stopped.
“I didn't kill anyone.””
Marcus said nothing.
“I swear.””
Vanessa stepped forward.
“You stole the data.””
Jordan's voice broke.
“I was going to sell it.””
“And the owner?””
Jordan looked at the floor.
“I didn't know he was watching.””
Marcus looked at the monitor.
The recording continued.
Jordan entered the owner's office.
The owner confronted him.
There was an argument.
Then Jordan shoved him.
The owner fell.
Vanessa gasped.
Jordan covered his face.
“He hit his head.””
Marcus watched the screen.
The owner lay motionless.
Jordan panicked.
He dragged him out of frame.
Then the recording stopped.
Marcus looked at Jordan.
“You told everyone he died.””
Jordan shook his head.
“No.””
“You sent the messages.””
“No.””
Marcus's phone vibrated.
Everyone froze.
He looked down.
A new message appeared.
*SHOWROOM OWNER: NOW YOU KNOW.*
Marcus looked toward the security monitors.
One screen changed.
The owner's face appeared.
Alive.
Sitting somewhere Marcus couldn't identify.
A final message appeared beneath the image.
*THANK YOU FOR COMING BACK.*
Vanessa started crying.
Jordan backed away.
Marcus looked at the old key fob.
The red light blinked once.
Then went dark.
The office door suddenly locked behind them.
Jordan grabbed the handle.
“Open it!””
Marcus didn't move.
Vanessa looked at him.
“What do we do?””
Marcus stared at the screen.
For the first time, he smiled without hesitation.
“We wait.””
On the monitor, the owner's image disappeared.