I can't escape this now (unless you show me how) TODDBLACK - NOT ME THE SERIES

4 - a violent reunion

Approaching 10 o'clock, Todd was on his way to the location—a nearly finished construction site about forty minutes away from his home. Reflecting on the phone conversation that took place a few hours earlier, a smile graced his lips. Ah, Black, ever so predictable. Even after all this time, Todd could still foresee his every action, his every thought.

Todd directed the driver to wait at the closest parking lot. He understood that Black would arrive alone, so he aimed to do the same. Instructing Beam to remain patient and await a signal, Todd exited the vehicle and proceeded towards the building—a recently constructed warehouse belonging to his company.

Though it neared completion, delays in deliveries had caused them to fall behind schedule. Something that wouldn't have happened if I was there, he thought bitterly.

Freshly discharged from the hospital, Todd was determined not to make anyone suspicious by having Black come to his home. At least for now. Especially since he didn't know how this night would end.

There were only two ways really. And depending on which route Black was choosing, he didn't want any witnesses.

Without any doors or gateways installed yet, Todd could easily walk right into the building. It also came in handy for Black, not that he needed it, as he possessed the skill to enter and exit buildings without permission or a key.

As Todd strolled through the vast, empty hall that seemed to stretch into infinity. He couldn't help but reminisce about when they had started planning this warehouse. It was his first project as the CEO of the company and he wanted everything to run smoothly. Back then, he believed that he and Black would remain close forever.

Todd stopped in his tracks and looked down at his polished black semi-brogues.

"I know you're here," he called out, knowing that Black would hear him regardless of his hiding spot.

Anticipating Black's tendency to arrive ahead of schedule, Todd was certain that he would be thorough in scouting for any surveillance cameras or traps. However, he would find none of these things. Todd had no intention of engaging in a physical altercation with Black, unlike Black after he woke up.

If it weren't for the moon casting a shadow of a man approaching him, Todd wouldn't have realised someone was coming towards him. Todd turned around slowly, a gentle smile forming on his face as he greeted his old friend.

"You wanted to meet up? Miss me already?" Black's words were delivered in a flat, emotionless tone, accompanied by an expressionless face, making it nearly challenging to discern his sarcasm. Todd couldn't help but snort.

"I came alone," Todd reassured, observing Black scanning the surroundings. "As you probably already know."

Black responded with another stern gaze, but Todd understood it as his way of agreeing with him.

"So," Todd began, slipping one hand into his pocket, "what do you want?"

A faint frown appeared on Black's face. "You told me to meet you here."

"Stop playing innocent," Todd retorted. "We both know you weren't idly waiting for me to wake up. What's your plan, huh?"

Todd moved closer to Black, who observed him intensity. Eventually, Black nodded.

"I've had plenty of time to think about it," Black began. "What could I possibly strip away from you? Then it hit me: the only things that truly matter to you are money and power."

Todd almost scoffed, feeling incredulous. Was that genuinely what Black believed? After two decades of knowing each other?

If that was true, you wouldn't be here anymore.