Chapter 31: The First Encounter

The arranged meeting took place in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Lagos. Adewale arrived alone, unarmed, but with a hidden communication device linking him to the team. Jason, Mia, Fiora, Mercius, and Eira monitored the situation from a nearby safehouse, ready to intervene if necessary.

Adewale was greeted by a group of heavily armed men, their expressions cold and unyielding. One of them stepped forward, a tall man with a scar running down his face. "I'm Malik," he said. "I hear you're interested in Power Surge."

Adewale nodded. "I am. I've heard a lot about it, and I'm ready to make a substantial investment."

Malik studied him for a moment before signaling his men to stand down. "Follow me."

Adewale was led through a series of dimly lit corridors to a makeshift lab. The air was thick with the scent of chemicals, and several technicians were busy mixing and packaging the drug. Malik gestured to the operation with a sense of pride. "This is where the magic happens."

Adewale kept his expression neutral. "Impressive. But I need to know more about the supply chain and the people behind it. I'm not investing in something I don't fully understand."

Malik narrowed his eyes. "You ask a lot of questions for a buyer."

Adewale shrugged. "It's a lot of money. I need assurances."

Malik seemed to consider this before nodding. "Fair enough. Follow me."

They entered a room at the back of the warehouse, where a large screen displayed a map with various locations marked. Malik pointed to several of them. "These are our distribution points. The product moves quickly, and our clients are... enthusiastic."

Adewale noted the locations, committing them to memory. "And the source? Who's behind all this?"

Malik's expression darkened. "That's above my pay grade. But I can introduce you to someone who knows more. If you prove yourself trustworthy."