The rain poured down in relentless sheets, blurring the city lights as Sarah made her way through the crowded streets. Her hood was pulled low over her face, masking her features. She was on her way to a forgotten corner of the city, a place where answers often lurked in the shadows—an old underground bar known as The Den, a spot for ex-criminals, outcasts, and those who thrived on secrets.
Sarah knew that if anyone had information on Elizabeth Harper’s whereabouts, it would be someone from The Den. The last she heard of Elizabeth was from a contact here, someone who had claimed to have seen her vanish years ago, but there had been no further leads—until now.
Inside, the dim lights and smoky haze created an atmosphere of secrecy. The air smelled of cheap whiskey and desperation. As Sarah scanned the room, her eyes landed on a familiar face—Rico, an information broker who had helped her in the past. He was sitting at the far end of the bar, nursing a drink. His sharp eyes caught her approaching, and a smirk spread across his face.
“Sarah… it’s been a while,” Rico said, leaning back in his chair. “What brings you back to my side of the world?”
“I need to find Elizabeth Harper,” she said bluntly, wasting no time on small talk.
Rico raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Harper? Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time. She dropped off the radar. You really think she’s still around?”
“I know she is,” Sarah said, her eyes cold with determination. “And I need to find her before anyone else does.”
Rico tapped his fingers on the table, thinking. “You’re not the first to come looking for her, you know. There’s been whispers… Bennett’s men have been asking questions too.”
Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. “Bennett’s looking for her?” The stakes were higher than she thought.
“Yeah, but they haven’t found anything yet. But I know someone who might have a lead—a woman named Marla. She runs a safehouse for people looking to disappear. Harper was seen with her just before she vanished.”
“Where can I find Marla?” Sarah asked, leaning in.
Rico took a long sip of his drink, then leaned forward. “You’ll want to be careful. Marla doesn’t deal with just anyone. She’s been off the grid too, hiding from her own enemies. But if you want to find her, you’ll need to start by tracking down her old partner, a man named Kade. He hangs around the docks.”
Sarah nodded, mentally preparing herself for another hunt. “Thanks, Rico. I owe you one.”
Rico chuckled. “You always do, sweetheart.”
That night, Sarah found herself near the docks, the salty air stinging her face as the wind picked up. The place was deserted, except for a few old warehouses and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. She moved cautiously, her senses on high alert.
A rustling sound behind her made her freeze. Before she could react, a figure emerged from the shadows—a tall man with a hood covering most of his face. His posture was tense, as if he had been waiting for her.
“Kade, I presume?” Sarah called out, her hand instinctively inching toward the concealed blade in her pocket.
“You’ve been asking about Marla,” the man said in a deep voice, ignoring her question. “Why?”
“I need information on Elizabeth Harper,” Sarah said, holding her ground.
Kade stepped forward, his eyes scanning her from beneath his hood. “You’re playing a dangerous game, girl. Marla’s out of reach, and if you’re smart, you’ll stop looking for her. Some people aren’t meant to be found.”
“I’m not backing down,” Sarah said, her voice steady. “Where is she?”
For a moment, Kade remained silent, then he sighed. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. Marla’s been lying low in an abandoned building near the edge of town. But if you go there, you better be prepared for what you find. Not everyone gets out of Marla’s world alive.”
Sarah’s heart pounded in her chest, but she remained calm. “Thanks for the warning.”
Without another word, Kade disappeared into the darkness, leaving Sarah standing alone at the docks. She now had her lead, but what lay ahead was far from certain. The hunt for Elizabeth Harper had begun, and with Bennett’s men also on the trail, time was running out.