Following the trail

Ethan parked his car two blocks from the warehouse, his fingers drumming against the steering wheel as he watched the shadows. The tip-off from Harper about the location hadn’t been solid—just a whisper in the wind. But when he saw Kai Lennox’s familiar silhouette slip through the building’s side entrance an hour ago, he knew he’d hit pay dirt.

Kai had walked into a lion’s den.

Ethan had waited, his instincts screaming at him to follow, but he couldn’t risk blowing his cover or jeopardizing whatever delicate game Kai was playing. Instead, he bid his time, watching the warehouse for signs of trouble.

Finally, the door opened, and Kai emerged, his hood pulled low over his head. Ethan leaned forward, his breath fogging the windshield as he tracked Kai’s movements.

“Where are you going?” he murmured.

Kai turned a corner, heading toward the main street. Ethan started the car and pulled out, keeping a safe distance.

The streets were quiet, the city settling into the stillness of late evening. Ethan followed Kai through the winding back alleys and side streets, his hands steady on the wheel despite the tension coiling in his chest.

Kai didn’t seem to notice he was being followed. His stride was brisk but not hurried, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets.

After a few blocks, Kai ducked into a narrow, unlit alleyway. Ethan cursed under his breath, parking the car and slipping out. He moved silently, hugging the wall as he approached the alley.

Kai stopped halfway down, leaning against the brick wall. He pulled out his phone and began typing furiously.

Ethan crouched behind a dumpster, watching as the glow of the phone illuminated Kai’s face. Whatever he was doing, it wasn’t casual.

Ethan’s heart raced as he weighed his options. If he approached now, he could press Kai for answers—force him to admit what he was hiding. But if he waited, he might learn more.

The decision was made for him when Kai suddenly tensed, his head snapping up.

“Who’s there?” Kai called, his voice sharp.

Ethan cursed silently. He stepped out of the shadows, hands raised in a mock show of innocence. “Just me.”

Kai’s eyes widened, then narrowed dangerously. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Relax,” Ethan said, taking a step closer. “I’m not here to hurt you.”

Kai snorted, shoving his phone into his pocket. “What is it with you, Cross? Can’t take no for an answer?”

“Not when I think someone’s in trouble,” Ethan shot back. “You’re walking around at night, meeting sketchy people in abandoned warehouses. Do you think that doesn’t scream trouble?”

Kai took a step forward, his expression livid. “You don’t know a damn thing about me.”

“Then tell me,” Ethan said, his tone softer now. “Because whatever you’re caught up in, it’s not just about you anymore. People are watching Kai. And not just me.”

Kai froze, his jaw tightening. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about Black Thorn,” Ethan said, watching for Kai’s reaction.

The artist’s face darkened, his green eyes flashing with something close to panic before he masked it.

“You don’t know what you’re saying,” Kai muttered, turning to leave.

Ethan grabbed his arm, stopping him. “I know exactly what I’m saying. I saw you meet with one of their men tonight. I know they’re using you for something. And I know it’s tearing you apart.”

Kai jerked his arm free, glaring at Ethan. “You need to leave. Now.”

“Not until you tell me what they want from you,” Ethan pressed. “Is it money? Power? What are they holding over your head?”

Kai’s laugh was bitter and sharp. “You really think it’s that simple? Do you think I can just spill everything to you and make it all go away?”

Ethan’s expression softened. “Maybe I can help.”

Kai’s anger flared again, his voice rising. “Help? You don’t know what help looks like in my world, Cross. You don’t know what they’ll do if they think I’ve said too much.”

“Then let me protect you,” Ethan said, stepping closer.

Kai’s breath hitched, the vulnerability flashing across his face so fleeting that Ethan almost missed it.

“You don’t understand,” Kai whispered, his voice breaking. “I don’t get out of this alive.”

Ethan felt his chest tighten. He reached out, his hand brushing Kai’s shoulder. “Yes, you do. But only if you let me in.”

Kai stared at him, his expression torn. For a moment, it seemed like he might actually open up, might let Ethan shoulder some of the burden.

But then the mask slid back into place.

“You’re a journalist,” Kai said coldly, stepping away. “You don’t care about me. You care about the story.”

“That’s not true,” Ethan protested, but Kai was already walking away.

Ethan watched him disappear into the shadows, frustration and worry swirling in his chest.

He’d let Kai go this time. But he wouldn’t stop digging.

Not until he uncovered the truth.

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