Joe watched Ethan walk out of the lab, concern etched on his face. He knew Ethan was under immense pressure and needed some space, but the situation was too precarious to ignore. Determined to bolster their defenses, Joe pulled out his phone and dialed a number he hadn't called in a while.
The line clicked after a few rings. "Max here."
"Max, it's Joe," he said, keeping his voice low. "I need a favor. Can we meet?"
Max's tone shifted to one of seriousness. "Joe, it's been a while. What's going on?"
Joe glanced around the lab, ensuring no one was listening. "It's a long story, but we're in a tight spot. I could use your help. Can you meet me at The Brass Lantern in an hour?"
Max hesitated briefly. "Alright, I'll be there. See you soon."
---
An hour later, Joe walked into The Brass Lantern, a dimly lit bar tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The warm, rustic interior contrasted sharply with the tension he felt. He spotted Max sitting at a corner table, his rugged features illuminated by the soft glow of a candle.
Max stood as Joe approached, a look of curiosity and concern on his face. "Joe, it's good to see you. What's this all about?"
Joe shook Max's hand firmly and sat down. "Good to see you too, Max. I wouldn't have called if it wasn't important."
Max leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "You've got my attention. What's the situation?"
Joe took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Do you remember Ethan Moore? He's the son of Dr. Alistair Moore."
Max nodded slowly. "The name rings a bell. The scientist who was killed, right?"
"That's right," Joe confirmed. "Ethan's been working on continuing his father's research, trying to find a cure for Morterra. But things have gotten complicated. Edgar Vance, the guy who killed his father, has been running a corrupt pharmaceutical empire and is now targeting Ethan's team."
Max's eyes hardened. "Vance? I've heard of him. Nasty piece of work. What do you need from me?"
Joe leaned forward, his voice earnest. "We need protection. Vance is dangerous, and his brother, Viper, runs the underworld. They'll stop at nothing to shut us down. Can you help us set up a security detail? Maybe bring in some of your contacts?"
Max thought for a moment, then nodded. "I've got some reliable people who can handle this. We'll set up a perimeter around your lab and keep an eye on things. No one gets in or out without us knowing."
Relief washed over Joe. "Thanks, Max. I knew I could count on you."
Max smiled, but his eyes were serious. "This is going to be dangerous, Joe. We'll need to stay sharp. I'll start making calls right away. When can we start setting up?"
Joe checked his watch. "The sooner, the better. Ethan and the team are working around the clock, and we can't afford any disruptions."
Max stood, clapping Joe on the shoulder. "Consider it done. I'll have a team at your location by dawn. We'll get through this, Joe."
Joe stood and shook Max's hand again. "Thanks, Max. I owe you one."
Max smirked. "You can buy me a drink when this is all over."
As Joe walked back to the lab, he felt a renewed sense of determination. With Max and his team on board, they had a fighting chance. He knew Ethan would be relieved to hear the news, and for the first time in days, Joe felt a glimmer of hope. They were in this together, and together, they would see it through.