As the reality of their situation set in, Sarah paced the cramped shack, her mind racing with strategies and possibilities. Kade leaned against the wall, arms crossed, deep in thought, while Elizabeth sat on an old crate, her expression a mixture of relief and anxiety.
“First, we need to gather intel on Bennett,” Kade said, breaking the silence. “He’s not just going to sit back and let us breathe easy. He’ll come after us, and we need to be ready.”
“Do we have any contacts who can help?” Sarah asked, turning to Elizabeth. “Anyone who might have eyes on Bennett’s operations?”
Elizabeth nodded slowly, her brow furrowing. “There’s a former associate of mine, Nick. He used to work for Bennett but got out a while back. He might have some useful information, but he’s paranoid and doesn’t trust easily.”
“Where can we find him?” Kade inquired, leaning forward with interest.
“He’s living under the radar, somewhere in the East Side,” Elizabeth explained. “But I haven’t spoken to him in years. I’m not sure if he’ll even help us.”
“It’s worth a shot,” Sarah said, her resolve hardening. “If he knows anything about Bennett’s next move, we can’t afford to ignore it. We’ll find him.”
They spent the next few minutes discussing their plan. Kade suggested they split up to cover more ground. Elizabeth would stay hidden in the shack while Sarah and Kade went to search for Nick. The less attention they drew, the better.
“Stay safe,” Kade urged Elizabeth as they prepared to leave. “If anything happens, just call us.”
“I will,” Elizabeth promised, though her voice trembled slightly. “Just be careful. Bennett’s men won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to find you.”
As Sarah and Kade made their way toward the East Side, the atmosphere shifted from the chaos of the docks to a more subdued urban landscape. The streets were quieter here, shadows cloaking the corners as they walked.
“Do you have any idea what Nick looks like now?” Kade asked, keeping his voice low.
“Last I heard, he had grown a beard and changed his appearance,” Elizabeth had said earlier. “But he should still be living in the same neighborhood.”
As they navigated the winding streets, Sarah’s mind drifted back to their earlier encounters with Bennett. Each memory ignited a fire within her—a determination to protect Elizabeth and bring Bennett to justice.
They approached a rundown apartment building, its exterior peeling and faded. Sarah hesitated for a moment, glancing at Kade. “This feels right. Let’s see if he’s home.”
They made their way up the narrow staircase, each step echoing in the silence. Sarah knocked on the door softly, her heart racing. A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing a scruffy man in his thirties with a wary expression.
“Who are you?” he demanded, his gaze darting suspiciously between them.
“Nick?” Sarah asked, her voice steady. “We need to talk.”
“Why?” he replied, crossing his arms defensively.
“We’re friends of Elizabeth Harper,” Kade interjected, trying to ease the tension. “She’s in trouble, and we need your help.”
Nick’s expression shifted, confusion mingling with concern. “Elizabeth? What trouble? I haven’t seen her in years.”
“Bennett’s after her,” Sarah explained, urgency creeping into her voice. “We think he’s planning something big, and we need to know what he’s up to. You used to work for him; you might have some insight.”
Nick hesitated, glancing back into his apartment as if weighing his options. “I’ve distanced myself from that life for a reason,” he muttered. “I don’t want to get involved again.”
“Listen,” Kade said, leaning closer, “if Bennett finds Elizabeth, he won’t stop until he gets what he wants. You might be the only one who can help us stop him.”
After a tense pause, Nick sighed and stepped aside. “Fine. Come in.”
As they entered, Sarah took in the cluttered room—dimly lit and filled with old furniture, stacks of boxes, and the faint smell of cigarette smoke. Nick motioned for them to sit, his expression still guarded.
“Okay, what do you want to know?” he asked, sitting across from them.
“What’s Bennett planning?” Sarah pressed, eager for answers.
Nick ran a hand through his hair, clearly conflicted. “I don’t know specifics, but I heard whispers that he’s looking to expand his territory, possibly making a deal with someone big in the city. He’s got connections, and if he pulls this off, it could give him power like never before.”
“Who’s he dealing with?” Kade asked, leaning forward.
“I don’t have a name,” Nick replied, frustration evident in his voice. “But it’s someone dangerous. Bennett’s not the type to partner with just anyone. He’s been ruthless, and if he feels threatened, he’ll strike hard.”
“What can we do?” Sarah asked, her heart racing at the implications of what Nick was saying.
“Lay low for now,” Nick suggested. “Bennett’s men will be on high alert, especially after they lost Elizabeth. If you make any moves too soon, you’ll put yourselves in danger.”
“Where can we find you if we need more information?” Kade asked, glancing at Sarah.
“I’ll be around,” Nick replied, looking at them both. “But don’t come back here. I can’t risk being tied to this.”
As they exchanged numbers, Sarah felt a mix of hope and anxiety. They had some leads, but the path ahead was still uncertain.
“Thank you, Nick,” Sarah said sincerely. “We appreciate your help.”
“Just keep your heads down,” Nick warned, his eyes serious. “This isn’t over.”
With that, Sarah and Kade left the apartment, the weight of their mission pressing down on them. They needed to regroup with Elizabeth and strategize their next move. Time was running out, and they could feel the danger lurking closer.
As they walked back toward the marina, Sarah couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. Every shadow seemed to move, every sound amplified in the silence of the night. She glanced at Kade, who looked equally on edge.
“Do you think we’ll be safe?” Sarah asked, trying to quell her growing unease.
“For now,” Kade replied, his expression serious. “But we need to stay alert. Bennett won’t give up easily, and we have to be ready for anything.”
The resolve in his voice gave Sarah a flicker of hope. They would face whatever came their way together. But deep down, she knew that the real battle was just beginning.