Vague stakes feel safe — and flat.
Replace "everything is at risk" with tonight's loss: lease, alibi, last willing witness. Can't name it in one noun phrase? Atmosphere without pressure.
What do they lose before midnight if this scene fails?

Vague stakes feel safe — and flat.
Replace "everything is at risk" with tonight's loss: lease, alibi, last willing witness. Can't name it in one noun phrase? Atmosphere without pressure.
What do they lose before midnight if this scene fails?