CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED – FINDING OLD FRIENDS

Florian approached a grimy intercom and pressed a button. After a moment, a gruff voice crackled through the speaker. "Who's there?" "Lou, it's Florian. I need your help." There was a long pause before the voice replied. "Come on up. Third floor, apartment 3C." The door buzzed open, and they slipped inside. As they climbed the stairs, Cassie wrinkled her nose at the musty smell. "Are you sure about this?" she whispered. Florian squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Trust me." They reached apartment 3C, and Florian knocked softly. The door opened a crack, revealing a weathered face with piercing blue eyes. "You're in trouble, aren't you, boy?" the man – Lou – asked gruffly. Florian nodded. "We need a place to lay low for a while. And... some new identities." Lou sighed heavily but opened the door wider. "Get in here before someone sees you." The apartment was small and cluttered, but clean. Lou gestured for them to sit on a worn sofa while he locked the door and drew the curtains.