Later in the evening, JD closed his laptop in his room and stood up from the chair he sat on.
The screen went dark, and for a moment, he remained still, as if going over what he had just read one last time. Then he pushed the chair back slightly with his leg and stretched his arms, loosening the stiffness that had built up from sitting too long.
He was currently in his house, which only had a room and bathroom, situated in an area where many houses were.
From the outside, it looked no different from the others around it. Same size, same structure, same spacing. There was nothing about it that stood out, nothing that would make anyone take a second look.
It made him hard to find.
Inside, everything was kept simple. A bed against the wall, a small table, a chair, and a wardrobe. Nothing unnecessary, nothing personal enough to leave an impression.
He walked to his bathroom, and in five minutes, he was out. Then he walked to his wardrobe, put on some clothes and stepped out.
He paused briefly at the door before leaving, his hand resting on the handle for just a second, then opened it and stepped into the evening air.
---
He met Drayke at a junction closer to the main road.
The area was a bit more active than the one JD had just left. A few people stood around waiting for transport, some talking in small groups, others focused on their phones.
"You took your time," Drayke said as JD approached.
"I had to do some research, remember?" JD replied.
Drayke gave a small nod. "So what's the plan?"
JD adjusted his jacket. "We go see the place."
Drayke didn't argue. "Then let's move."
They didn't stay there long. After a brief glance around, they both turned toward the road where buses passed more frequently.
---
They boarded a bus heading in the direction of the lab.
The bus wasn't crowded. There were enough people to fill most of the seats, but not enough to make movement difficult. JD took a seat near the window, while Drayke sat beside him.
The vehicle moved steadily, stopping occasionally to let passengers on and off. Each stop was brief, people stepping in and out without much delay.
JD leaned slightly toward the window, watching the city pass by in parts. Shops, small buildings, pedestrians moving along the sidewalks. Nothing out of place.
At the front, the driver had the radio on.
"…authorities continue to provide updates on yesterday's bank security breach at Allock Bank PLC's Greyford branch…"
JD remained quiet, looking outside as the city moved past in segments.
"…investigators have confirmed that internal systems were involved, and staff interviews are ongoing…"
Drayke leaned back slightly, arms resting across his lap.
"…one staff member connected to cleaning operations has not been located…"
"…identified as Alan McHenry…"
The broadcast continued in the same steady tone.
A few passengers near the front paid more attention to the news, while others ignored it completely, focused on their own conversations or staring ahead.
"…officials have also confirmed that a projectile was discovered lodged within the facility's power distribution system…"
"…analysis is ongoing…"
The bus slowed briefly as it approached a junction, the engine lowering in pitch before picking up again as it moved forward.
"…authorities have begun tracking the license plate of a vehicle believed to have been present near the scene at the time of the breach…"
"…the plate number has been entered into the system as part of ongoing investigations…"
Drayke exhaled quietly. "They're moving fast."
JD didn't respond.
The bus continued forward for several minutes, passing through wider roads now, with larger buildings starting to appear more frequently. The spacing between structures increased, and the layout of the area became more organised.
A few passengers stood up as their stops approached, moving toward the exit while the bus slowed again.
Drayke glanced toward the front, then back at JD. "We're getting close."
JD gave a small nod.
The bus eventually came to a full stop, and they both stood up, moving toward the door with the others.
---
They stepped off and began walking.
The difference in the area was clear immediately. The streets here were wider, the buildings more spaced out, and the movement of people more structured. It wasn't crowded, but it wasn't quiet either—just steady activity.
People walked with purpose, some heading toward buildings nearby, others moving past without slowing down.
As they moved forward, Drayke spoke in a low voice.
"Public places like this usually have controlled access points," he said. "Not just anyone walks in and out without being noticed."
JD walked beside him without replying.
Drayke continued, keeping his tone practical. "Even if it's open to visitors, they'll still have systems in place. Check-ins, monitored areas, restricted sections."
They passed by a few smaller buildings along the way, each one looking more structured than the last. The environment felt more organised overall, like everything had been planned out properly.
JD slowed slightly as the building came into clearer view.
It stood ahead of them, larger than the surrounding structures, with a clean, organised exterior that matched its purpose. The design was modern, with wide glass sections at the front that allowed a partial view inside.
People could be seen moving in and out at the entrance, some in small groups, others alone. A few stood near the front, possibly waiting or observing before going in.
Drayke stopped a short distance away.
"Lux Lab," he said quietly.
JD stopped beside him.
They both stood facing the building, taking in the entrance, the movement of people, and the general flow of activity.
From where they stood, it was easy to see how the place operated on the surface. People approached the entrance, slowed slightly as they got closer, then continued inside without much delay. There didn't seem to be any visible restriction at the front, at least not from a distance.
Drayke adjusted his stance slightly. "So we're just looking for now?"
JD gave a small nod.
Drayke exhaled once, then looked back at the entrance. "Alright."
They remained there for a moment longer, watching the movement, the timing, the way people entered and left without interruption.
Then, without saying anything else, they began to move forward together, approaching the building at a steady pace.