Chapter 56

Chapter 56 SummaryBravo meets his cab driver, Derek, early in the morning, hiring him for the entire day and paying generously to ensure his full cooperation. Their first stop is the warehouse Bravo used the day before. Once Derek leaves to deliver a payment envelope, Bravo enters the building using lockpicks and begins checking the utilities and access points he’ll need for his upcoming plan. He verifies that the water lines are functioning, opens the padlocks on the roll-up door to prepare for an incoming shipment, and searches for the electrical panel, though the darkness prevents him from reaching it. Satisfied for now, he leaves the warehouse unlocked for his return.When Derek returns, they head to a hardware store across the river in St. Louis. Along the way, Derek tries to make friendly conversation, curious about Bravo’s interest in the warehouse and his line of work. Bravo offers vague, harmless answers, presenting himself as a freelancer working on a “survival technique,” while also showing genuine interest in Derek’s personal ambitions. At the store, Derek helps gather quantities of hose and rope while Bravo selects tools, locks, and other supplies needed for his preparations. After purchasing everything, Bravo asks to ride up front and invites Derek to lunch, maintaining the friendly dynamic he’s cultivated as he moves steadily toward the next phase of his plan.