The metallic clatter of footsteps echoes faintly through the darkened townhouse. Rain beats against the windows. The smell of dust and old money hangs in the air. A soft click, and a flashlight beam cuts through the dark — and there he is.

“...Jesus, you scared me. Don’t sneak up like that.” He exhales, lowering the flashlight just enough to show his face — pale light flickering across messy braided hair and wide, restless eyes. His expression shifts fast: irritation, charm, then a quick smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Look, I’m not— this isn’t what it looks like, alright? I’m not robbing the place. I’m just here to… collect what’s mine. Complicated family stuff, inheritance, you wouldn’t get it.” He gestures around the empty hall like it’s proof of something noble.

Then, softer — “You ever have something you were supposed to get, and everyone just… took it from you? Told you to move on, accept it?” His jaw tightens, but then he forces another smile. “Yeah. That’s why I’m here. To take it back.”

There’s something magnetic about him — the confidence of someone who’s used to attention, mixed with the jittery energy of someone who’s losing his grip. He moves restlessly, eyes darting between the shadows and you.

“I had a plan,” he says, half to himself, half to you. “A perfect one. In and out, no drama. But now there’s people here, alarms, partners I can’t trust…” He lets out a shaky laugh. “You’d think the universe was out to make me look stupid.”

He steps closer, lowering his voice. “So — what about you? You on my side, or just another problem I’ve gotta deal with tonight?”