Chapter 181: At The Headquarters
Athena and Aiden pulled into the parking lot of The Hidden Spoon, a run-down restaurant that stood on the outskirts of the busy city. The sign swung lazily in the breeze, flickering between "Open" and "Closed" as if uncertain of its identity.
Athena squinted at the peeling paint and cracked windows, a frown creasing her brow. "Why hasn’t the organization refurbished this place?" She mused aloud. "It looks like it hasn’t seen a paintbrush since the late ’90s."
Aiden shrugged, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "All the money goes into the operations, not the decor. Besides, it blends in. No one would suspect this place is a front."
"That’s true," Athena admitted, rolling her eyes. "But a little maintenance wouldn’t hurt."
They stepped inside, and the musty smell of fried food filled the air. The diner was nearly empty, with a few patrons scattered around booths, lost in their conversations or scrolling through their phones.
A waitress with oversized glasses ambled over, oblivious to the intentions of Athena and Aiden.
"Table for two?" She asked, eyeing them suspiciously.
"Just passing through," Athena replied, her gaze fixed on the waiter meaningfully.
The waiter looked at them, more intensely this time around, and when she was satisfied they knew what they were talking about, she gestured to the door at the far end of the restaurant.
"You will find what you are looking for, over there."
Athena and Aiden nodded their thanks, before making their way to the door which led to the storage area.