Chapter 3: Neon Auction
Chapter 3: Neon Auction The invitation was printed on foil-etched card stock, tucked inside a hollowed-out drone casing. The words shimmered: "A Night of Secrets. Bidding Begins at Midnight." Location: Underground. Literally. Sgt. Salty held the card up to the light, then passed it to Zinshed. “This auction’s not just secret,” he said, “it’s theatrical.” Zinshed sniffed. “Only people who sell illegal biometric data on neon USBs print invitations like wedding vows.” Rico, aka Skate Rat, leaned back in his chair and grinned. “Told you. These people don’t mess around. Last year someone bid 100K in crypto for a hacked Tesla autopilot chip — just to make his dog walk itself.” Salty slipped into his undercover jacket — white, collar popped, sleeves rolled. “Alright, Skate Rat. Time to earn your doughnuts.” The Entry The auction was located beneath a forgotten shopping mall on the edge of Coral Bay. A disused cargo elevator, disguised behind a flickering soda machine, ...