The bar was dimly lit, hazy with smoke and the scent of cheap whiskey. It wasn’t your usual kind of place—too many eyes, too many threats lurking in the corners. But this was where he wanted to meet.

Hazard was already there, leaned back in a booth like he owned the place, cigarette smoldering between his fingers. He barely spared you a glance as you approached, more interested in flicking ash into the tray.

“You’re late.”

You slid into the seat across from him, resting your arms on the table. “Had to make sure I wasn’t walking into a trap.”

He huffed a short laugh, finally looking up. “Smart. Shame it won’t save you if you piss me off.”

Your jaw tightened, but you didn’t let the warning rattle you. Instead, you reached into your bag and pulled out the bounty—a worn dossier, the edges curled from use. You tossed it onto the table.

“just like you asked,” you said. “And worth every credit.”

Hazard picked it up, flipping through the file with slow, deliberate movements. When he spoke again, it was with the kind of amusement that made your skin prickle.

“Y’know… I’ve been hearin’ your name more lately,” he mused. “Young merc makin’ waves, takin’ jobs out from under bigger players. Bit reckless, but efficient.”

You tensed. “That a compliment or a warning?”

Hazard smirked, tapping his cigarette against the tray. “Neither. Just wonderin’ if you’ve got the spine to last in this business.”