Chapter 12: The Deal with Julian
Night fell over the small town, casting long shadows across the empty streets. Adam parked his borrowed car near the diner where Julian Kane had suggested they meet. The place had a retro vibe, with neon lights flickering against chrome trim and an old jukebox humming softly inside.
He scanned the area before stepping out, his breath fogging in the cool evening air. The shadowy figure from earlier was nowhere to be seen, but his paranoia lingered. Adam adjusted his jacket, the weight of his smartphone reassuring in his pocket.
The bell above the door jingled as he entered. Julian was seated in a booth at the back, sipping coffee and reading a newspaper. He looked up, his eyes sharp and calculating.
"Mr. Larson," Julian greeted, gesturing to the seat across from him. "Right on time."
Adam slid into the booth, keeping his expression neutral. "I'm here. Now talk."
Julian set the paper down, folding it neatly. "You're a hard man to track down. I take it you've had a few surprises since your... unexpected arrival?"
Adam's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"
Julian smiled faintly. "Come now, don't play coy. You're not from around here. Not in the usual sense."
Adam clenched his fists under the table. "And you are?"
Julian leaned back, his gaze unwavering. "Someone who knows more about your situation than you'd like. But don't worry—I'm not your enemy. In fact, I think we can help each other."
Adam's voice was steady, but his mind raced. "How do you know about me?"
Julian's smile widened. "Let's just say I've been following breadcrumbs for years. Strange anomalies, sudden appearances of technology ahead of its time... you're not the first, Adam."
The mention of his name sent a shiver down Adam's spine. He hadn't introduced himself.
"Alright," Adam said slowly. "What do you want from me?"
Julian leaned forward, his tone dropping. "To stop them. The people who put you here, who manipulate time and technology like puppeteers. They're not just after you—they're building something dangerous. Something that could reshape the world as we know it."
Adam narrowed his eyes. "And you're just a Good Samaritan trying to save the day?"
Julian chuckled. "Hardly. I have my reasons, and let's just say they're personal. But you have something I don't—a tool. One that can outthink even the brightest minds."
Adam's hand brushed his pocket instinctively.
"What makes you think I'd help you?" Adam asked.
Julian's expression turned serious. "Because they won't stop until they've silenced you. And trust me, they're much better at hunting than you are at hiding."
Adam sat back, weighing his options. Julian's words rang true; the note, the shadowy figure, and the escalating tension all pointed to something bigger than he'd anticipated.
"Alright," Adam said cautiously. "Say I believe you. What's your plan?"
Julian's eyes gleamed. "First, we pool our resources. I have access to networks and people you could only dream of. Together, we can gather intel, disrupt their operations, and—when the time is right—take them down."
Adam nodded slowly, though skepticism lingered in his mind. "And what's stopping me from walking out of here and dealing with this my way?"
Julian smirked. "You don't even know what you're up against, let alone how to fight it. You need me, Adam. And if you don't, they'll eat you alive."
Adam leaned forward, matching Julian's intensity. "Fine. But if we're doing this, I call the shots. No surprises, no half-truths. Agreed?"
Julian extended his hand. "Agreed. Welcome to the team."
Reluctantly, Adam shook it, feeling a chill that wasn't from the weather.
As they left the diner, Julian handed Adam a manila envelope.
"Your first assignment," Julian said. "Inside, you'll find details about a storage facility downtown. It's been flagged as one of their safehouses. We need to get in, grab anything useful, and get out before they notice."
Adam frowned. "Just like that?"
Julian's grin returned. "Consider it a test of trust. Meet me there tomorrow night."
He disappeared into the darkness, leaving Adam alone under the flickering streetlight.
"Probably," Adam muttered. "But it's the best lead we've got."
Adam glanced at the envelope in his hand. "Faith has nothing to do with it. If he's lying, I'll know soon enough."
End of Chapter 12