Meanwhile.
At a small convenience store near Vought.
Hughie pushed open the glass door, holding two freshly bought coffees in his arms and carrying a paper bag in his other hand, with Robin's favorite cheese sandwich inside.
"Working overtime again?" the owner behind the counter greeted him with a smile.
"No." Hughie scratched his head, wearing his usual slightly bashful smile. "I'm planning to head home early today."
The owner nodded. "Go on, kid. I'll lock up tonight."
Hughie thanked him sincerely.
He was glad he had left the electronics store where he used to work. His new job was still in sales, but his boss was a good man who didn't exploit his employees.
That also meant he had more time to spend with Robin.
Just as Hughie was about to leave, the convenience store door opened again.
A tall man walked in.
He wore a black trench coat, his boots were covered in dust, and his unshaven face looked scruffy, but his eyes were as sharp as a knife.
He glanced over the shelves, walked straight up to one, and casually grabbed two boxes of cheap cigars.
It was the man known as Butcher.
Hughie merely glanced at him instinctively, felt he looked like someone not to mess with, and looked away.
But Butcher watched Hughie for another two seconds, instinctively analyzing him out of professional habit.
The young man wore casual clothes and held coffee in his arms. His eyes were clear; one look told him he had never experienced despair.
Butcher smiled self-mockingly. He was almost backed into a corner.
Some time ago, Vought's secret base had been destroyed. He had immediately launched an investigation, but made little progress.
Even now, Butcher's grand plan for revenge had failed to get properly underway.
He had a vague