James led the way his posture relaxed but purposeful inside the bar smelled of stale beer and cigarette smoke the kind of place where anonymity was the Only Rule. A few patrons sat hunched over their drinks and a sirly bartender wiped down the counter with slow deliberate movements James approached the bar nodding once. At the bartender looking for someone he said sliding a $50 bill across the counter mid 20s brown hair gray hoodie names Jared seen him. The bartender paused his eyes flicking to the bill before narrowing at James what's it to you James leaned in slightly his voice low. And firm just need to talk to him he caused some trouble for a friend of mine and I'd rather settle it quietly the bartender snorted.
But pocketed the money saw someone like that a couple of nights ago loud drunk mouthing off about people moving into his neighborhood fits your description where'd he go. James pressed don't know said something about crashing with a buddy guy named Mike I think lives in the old industrial district. James nodded straightening appreciate it they left the bar quickly and as they stepped back into the cold air Nia turned to him. Her brow furrowed do you really think this Mike guy will know where he is it's a lead James said unlocking the car. And when you're tracking someone you follow every lead as they drove toward the industrial district Nia felt her anxiety start to morph into determination.
The thought of Jared hiding thinking he was Untouchable only strengthened her resolve when we find him she said her voice quiet. But firm I want to be the one to confront him James glanced at her his expression unreadable Youk get your chance he said. But you have to stay calm if you lose control he'll use it against you I won't lose control Nia said gripping the leash tighter not this time. James nodded and silence filled the car once more outside the city began to wake but for Nia the world had narrowed to One Singular goal finding. Jared and making sure he answered for what he'd done the industrial district was a maze of crumbling warehouses and graffiti streak walls.
The early morning light filtered through gaps in the buildings casting Long Shadows across the uneven streets James parked the car at the edge of the district. His eyes scanning the surroundings with the practiced Precision of someone who had trained for situations like this is the kind of place where people disappear. James muttered as he stepped out of the car stay sharp Nia followed her steps measured but purposeful she clutched Max's leash. In her pocket its familiar texture grounding her as her nerves hummed with anticipation the thought of Jared hiding in this Labyrinth of Decay smug. And Untouchable only fueled her determination James gestured toward a cluster of rundown buildings if this Mike guy is here he'll be in one of these.
Spots we'll split up circle around look for signs of movement but keep your distance if you see anything call me immediately. Nia hesitated are you sure splitting up is a good idea James gave her a steady look I'll be close this is just faster trust me. She nodded reluctantly and they moved in opposite directions weaving through the alleys and peering into darkened doorways the air smelled faintly of oil and rust. The silence punctuated by the distant clatter of Shifting metal Nia's pulse quickened as she rounded a corner and spotted a man slumped against the wall. A cigarette dangling from his lips his hoodie was faded his face weathered and unshaven but her stomach Twisted as she recognized him from the bartender's description.
Mike she whispered to herself the man's head snapped up his blur eyes narrowing as he noticed her what do you want He barked his voice rough. Nia steadied herself taking a cautious step forward I'm looking for Jared I heard he might be staying with you. Mike snorted his lips curling into a sneer what's it to you he attacked my dog Nia said her voice trembling slightly. But gaining strength I need to find him Mike chuckled Darkly shaking his head figures Jared always did have a way of stirring up trouble. But you're wasting your time he's not here then where is he she pressed her fists clenching at her sides I need to know.
Mike took another drag from his cigarette his eyes narrowing as he studied her even if I knew why would I tell you think you can just walk. In here and demand answers before Nia could respond James appeared behind her his presence commanding as he stepped forward she's not alone he said evenly. His voice carrying an edge that made Mike freeze and if you know where Jared is you're going to tell us Mike's bravado faltered. As he glanced between them his cigarette trembling slightly in his fingers look I don't want any trouble he muttered Jared mentioned crashing. At an old storage unit on the East End that's all I know James nodded his gaze hard good I'd suggest you keep it that way.
Mike muttered something under his breath retreating into the shadows as James turned to Nia come on let's move as they headed toward. The East end of the district Nia's heart pounded with a mix of fear and anticipation they were getting closer she could feel it. And with every step her resolve hardened Jared wasn't going to get away not this time the storage units loomed ahead a cluster of rusted weather-beaten structures surrounded. By overgrown weeds and broken pavement the air was damp and heavy carrying the faint metallic Tang of Decay Nia followed James closely her pulse hammering. In her ears as they approached the units the silence felt oppressive broken only by the crunch of gravel under their feet James held up.
A hand signaling her to stop stay back for now he said in a low voice I'll check the area first Nia frowned. But nodded watching as James moved forward with a quiet Precision that reminded her of the training he rarely talked about he scanned the row of units. His sharp eyes flicking from door to door looking for any sign of recent activity after a moment he motioned her to follow there. He whispered pointing to one of the units the padlock on the door hung Loose as though hastily secured a faint scuff mark in the dirt near. The entrance caught his attention and he crouched down to examine it he's been here recently James said his voice barely audible the door's not locked properly.
And those marks look fresh Nia's heart raced as she stepped closer her body trembling with anticipation so what do we do now. James straightened his expression calm but intense we go in but carefully stay behind me and don't do anything until I say so she hesitated. For a moment the weight of what they were about to do pressing heavily on her but then the image of Max flashed in her mind. His crumpled body his pained whimpers and any doubt she felt evaporated okay she said firmly James approach the door his movements deliberate and Silent. He tested the handle and with a sharp motion pushed it open the creek of the hinges echoed in the Stillness and he stepped.
Inside scanning the dimly lit space the unit was cluttered with old furniture and discarded junk but it was the figure slouched on a mattress. In the corner that Drew their attention Jared his hoodie was rumpled and a half empty bottle of beer rested near his hand he looked up groggy. His eyes narrowing as he registered their presence what the hell Jared slurred struggling to sit up who are you Nia stepped into the doorway. Her hands clenched into fists you know who I am she said her voice sharp and cutting you attacked me and my dog did you. Think I'd let you get away with it recognition flickered in Jared's eyes and his face Twisted into a sneer oh it's you he said.