As dusk fell over the city, Sarah felt the weight of the night pressing down on her. She and Rico huddled in a corner booth at the back of the bar, the dim lighting casting long shadows that flickered across their faces. They’d decided to wait for the journalist to arrive before making any drastic moves, but tension hung in the air like an impending storm.
Rico glanced at his watch, fidgeting with the sleeve of his jacket. “She should be here any minute. Just stay calm. Trust her, and she’ll know how to handle this.”
“What if Bennett finds out we’re looking for her?” Sarah asked, biting her lip. “He won’t stop until he silences us.”
Rico leaned closer, his voice low. “That’s why we need to be careful. This isn’t just about you and me anymore; it’s about everyone who’s been hurt by him. We have to stay one step ahead.”
Just then, the door swung open, and a tall woman with striking red hair stepped inside. She scanned the room with a keen eye, spotting Sarah and Rico almost instantly. With an air of confidence, she approached, her expression serious.
“Rico,” she said, her voice steady. “I got your message. What’s going on?”
“This is Sarah,” Rico introduced. “She’s looking for Elizabeth Harper. We need your help to expose Bennett’s operations.”
The journalist raised an eyebrow, clearly assessing Sarah. “Elizabeth? I’ve heard rumors about her. No one seems to know what really happened. Why do you think Bennett is behind it?”
Sarah took a deep breath and launched into the story—the diary, the threats, her encounters with Victor. As she spoke, she could see the journalist’s interest intensify. When she finished, the woman sat back, considering the weight of Sarah’s words.
“This is bigger than I thought,” the journalist said slowly. “Bennett has a reputation for being ruthless. If you have proof of his crimes, we can go public. But we need to be strategic.”
“Do you have contacts in law enforcement?” Sarah asked, hopeful. “We need protection—people who can help keep us safe while we gather evidence.”
“I have a few connections,” the journalist replied, her eyes narrowing in thought. “But we need to move fast. I can’t guarantee their loyalty. Bennett has a way of getting to people.”
Rico nodded in agreement. “Then we’ll have to create a plan. We can’t just dive in headfirst; we need to set up a meeting with your contacts. Sarah, do you have everything you need from the diary?”
“Yeah,” Sarah said, reaching into her bag and pulling out the leather-bound notebook. “I have it right here. It details everything—Bennett’s connections, his deals, and even the threats he made against Elizabeth.”
The journalist’s eyes gleamed with determination. “Let’s get this out. If we can corroborate your claims with evidence, we might be able to turn the tide against him.”
Just as the three of them began to outline their plan, the bar’s entrance opened again. This time, it was a group of men, their demeanor heavy with purpose. Sarah felt her heart drop as she recognized one of them—Victor, flanked by two of Bennett’s enforcers.
“Hide!” Rico hissed, motioning for Sarah and the journalist to duck behind the booth. They quickly lowered themselves as the men made their way to the bar, scanning the room.
Victor leaned against the counter, speaking in low tones with the bartender. “We’re looking for a girl—dark hair, with a determined look in her eyes. She’s been asking about Elizabeth Harper. Have you seen her?”
The bartender shook his head, clearly nervous. Sarah held her breath, trying to keep still. She could feel the tension in the air, every second stretching out as Victor’s gaze roamed the room.
“Spread the word,” Victor ordered, pushing away from the bar. “I want her found—now.”
As they slipped deeper into the shadows, Sarah’s heart raced with fear and adrenaline. She realized they were running out of time. If they didn’t act soon, they might lose their only chance to expose Bennett and save Elizabeth. The stakes were higher than ever, and the clock was ticking.