Early the next morning, Hunter followed the address Dom had given him.
The destination was in one of the busiest districts of Los Angeles, less than three kilometers from South Coast Plaza.
Hunter rode his motorcycle through the crowded streets.
This was his first time venturing into downtown LA since his reincarnation. He had been too busy grinding skills at the beach or the clubs to visit the tourist traps like Hollywood or the city center.
But he didn't regret it.
His System was a once-in-a-lifetime gift. A little hard work now meant he could be a god later. Once his skills were maxed out, he could play however he wanted.
After winding through the streets for a while, he found it.
A three-story building facing the street in the commercial district.
Bridger Locksmith Co.
Hunter looked up. Surrounded by branded retail stores, the locksmith shop seemed unassuming.
But owning a storefront in this prime location meant Stella was making serious money.
Hunter unwrapped a stick of gum, popped it into his mouth, and leaned back on his parked motorcycle, watching the entrance.
This had to be Stella Bridger's company.
The blonde beauty was the daughter of John Bridger, a master safecracker and Charlie Croker's old friend.
John Bridger had an uncanny talent for locks. From ancient Chinese mechanisms to modern digital vaults, nothing could keep him out for more than a few minutes.
Eighteen months ago, John and Charlie had pulled off a legendary heist in Venice, stealing a ton of gold bullion from Italian gangsters.
It would have been the perfect crime if Steve, the traitor, hadn't betrayed them.
Stella inherited her father's gift. She was a prodigy.
But because her father had spent so much of her childhood in prison, she chose a different path. Instead of becoming a thief, she opened a legitimate business, helping the police and banks test their security.
She likely resented Charlie Croker.
Her father had been ready to retire. Charlie convinced him to do "one last job," and it got him killed.
In the Italian Job movie, she eventually agrees to help Charlie steal the gold back from Steve—not for greed, but for revenge.
Oddly, her idea of revenge was just stealing the gold, not killing Steve. Hunter found this western "moral high ground" confusing. In his book, a blood debt required blood payment.
But he didn't need to understand her philosophy to learn from her.
And if he got a chance to... get to know the blonde beauty better? He wouldn't say no.
Hunter waited for over two hours.
Finally, a woman walked out.
Stella Bridger.
She got into a small car parked nearby—a MINI Cooper.
In the US, cars like the MINI were cheap, costing around $15,000 for the base model. Their small size made them perfect for navigating LA traffic and finding parking, making them popular with urban professionals.
It was one of BMW's best-selling models in the States.
Hunter grinned. Target confirmed.
He didn't approach her yet. He had no leverage to make her teach him.
Instead, he decided to tail her.
His goal wasn't just to learn lockpicking; it was to find Steve.
In the movie, Charlie uses Stella to get to Steve. Hunter planned to cut out the middleman.
Even if Steve had sold some of the gold, most of that one ton haul should still be sitting in his vault.
For the next few days, Hunter became Stella's shadow.
He used his [Disguise] skill constantly, changing his clothes, hair, and even skin tone.
He leveled up [Intel Gathering], [Disguise], [Surveillance], [Acting], and [Driving] simultaneously while trailing her.
Four days later, his patience paid off.
Stella led him; unknowingly; straight to Steve's fortress.
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