Chapter 18

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 […]

Chapter 17

Sarah crouched behind a vent on the rooftop, her heart still racing as she watched Victor’s shadow move restlessly below. She needed to regroup, to think clearly about her next steps. The diary, with its revelations about Bennett’s operations, was her key to unraveling the web of lies, but she couldn’t do it alone. Taking a deep breath, Sarah scanned the horizon, her mind racing with possibilities. She had to reach someone who could help her—someone who could turn the tide against Bennett. The first person who came to mind was Rico. He had connections and resources, and if anyone could help her get the information out to the right people, it was him. As Victor continued his search, she decided it was time to make her move. Carefully, she descended the fire escape, her heart pounding with each step. […]

Chapter 16

Sarah froze, every muscle tensing as she met Victor’s cold, calculating stare. His presence sent a chill down her spine, but she forced herself to stand tall, hiding any trace of fear. “Victor,” she said calmly, keeping her voice steady. “I didn’t expect you here. Bennett must be getting desperate if he’s sending you to do his dirty work.” Victor chuckled, a dark gleam in his eyes. “Desperate? No, just thorough. Bennett has little patience for people who meddle where they don’t belong.” He took a step toward her, his eyes narrowing. “And you, Sarah, have been meddling far too much.” Sarah kept her gaze fixed on him, refusing to back down. “Funny, I’d say I’m right where I belong. Just like Elizabeth was, before you forced her to run.” Victor’s jaw tightened, the mocking glint in his eyes hardening. […]

Chapter 15

Sarah’s heart pounded as she pressed herself against the cold, metal cabinet, trying to steady her breathing. She could hear the men’s voices growing closer, their footsteps slow and methodical. They were combing through the room with military precision, clearly following strict orders to find anything—or anyone—left behind. One of the men stepped right in front of her hiding place. She could make out the heavy tread of his boots, the click of his flashlight as it swept across the room, and the unmistakable hum of a radio at his waist. Sarah tightened her grip on the strap of her bag, every nerve in her body on high alert. After what felt like an eternity, the man moved past, barking something unintelligible to his partner. As their footsteps faded momentarily, Sarah saw her chance. Moving with practiced silence, she slipped […]

Chapter 14

Sarah moved swiftly through the darkened streets, her mind racing with questions. The key Marla had given her felt like it was burning a hole in her pocket. She knew this was a critical piece of the puzzle, but the address scrawled on the slip of paper was in a part of town she’d never ventured into—a desolate area known for its abandoned warehouses and empty lots, far from prying eyes. The city grew quieter as she approached the address. The air was thick, and the streetlights cast an eerie glow over the deserted buildings. Finally, she found it: a nondescript building with boarded-up windows and a single rusted door. She tried the door, and to her surprise, it opened with a soft creak, revealing a staircase leading down into darkness. Taking a deep breath, Sarah descended the stairs, her […]