CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE: MASON'S DARK PAST

Robert stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "We saw it with our own eyes. Care to explain?" The manager's eyes darted between them, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. "Look, I just work here. I don't know nothing about no cameras." Claire, standing slightly behind Mason and Robert, noticed the manager's hand moving slowly towards something under the counter. "Guys," she whispered urgently. "I think he's reaching for something." Before anyone could react, the office door burst open. Three men entered, their faces hard and unfriendly. One of them was holding a gun. "Well, well," the armed man said, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Looks like we've got some nosy guests." Mason instinctively moved in front of Claire, while Robert tensed, ready for action. The manager, now looking more confident, sneered at them. "You should've minded your own business. Now, you're going to have to come with us." As the armed men advanced, the tension in the room reached a breaking poin