Ivan groveled to the pavement, sweat trickling down his forehead. His eyes bore at the mastermind of all—Till; his boss. Till's expression was unreadable, yet his gaze was stern, piercing and observing.

"Boss..." Ivan said quietly.

The word trembled on his lips like a confession. Blood from a shallow cut on his brow mingled with the grime of the asphalt, stinging as it crept toward his eye. His breath came in ragged bursts, heart hammering against his ribs like a warning drum.