Chapter 3 Down the Velvet Vine

Ethan drove his car on the way to work, it was a muscle car unbecoming of a lawyer to drive in, but nevertheless is his favorite one.

"Get in, we'll get there faster if we drive," he tells Austine as he revs up the car.

"You're telling me that you actually drive this thing? How do you manage not to get a speeding ticket." She looked on in awe as she examined the red outlines on the matte black car.

"It's called discipline and road safety."

He laughs and then retorts, "Also, I know the law well not to be messed with."

"Figures," she scoffed as she rolled her eyes and got in.

Austine and Ethan focus their investigation on the last place Elizabeth Kensington was seen alive-an upscale bar known as "The Velvet Vine." The dimly lit establishment exudes an air of sophistication, with plush velvet seating and a sleek bar that stretches across the room.

As they step into the bar,

Austine's eyes roam over the elegant decor, taking in the ambiance.

She turns to Ethan, a playful glint in her eyes.

"So, Ethan, what do you think? Ready to dive into the world of high-class intrigue?"

she teases, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips.

Ethan chuckles, his gaze flickering between Austine and the crowd. "I must admit, I'm more accustomed to courtrooms than swanky bars, but for you, Austine, I'm willing to make an exception."

Austine raises an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her voice. "Oh, is that so? I didn't know I had the power to sway even the most stoic lawyer."

Ethan's lips curl into a smirk as he leans closer. "Well, you've always had a way of turning my world upside down, Austine. Consider me under your spell."

They exchange a knowing look, the tension between them palpable.

Austine's playful banter fades as she regains her focus, her eyes scanning the crowd for potential witnesses. She nudges Ethan, a determined glimmer in her gaze.

"Enough chit-chat, let's dive into this investigation. Time to interview these socialites and see if they have any valuable information about Elizabeth," Austine declares, her voice laced with determination.

Ethan nods, his eyes scanning the room in search of potential leads. "Agreed. Let's gather some intel and see if anyone saw or heard anything relevant to her disappearance."

They approach a group of elegantly dressed socialites, engaged in lively conversation. Austine flashes a charming smile, introducing herself and Ethan as journalists from Rebel Magazine. She gracefully steers the conversation toward Elizabeth Kensington.

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen," Austine begins, her voice carrying a professional yet approachable tone. "We're investigating the disappearance of Elizabeth Kensington. Have any of you had any interactions with her? Seen her here at The Velvet Vine?"

The socialites exchange curious glances, intrigued by Austine's line of questioning. One woman, adorned in a sparkling gown, steps forward, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Elizabeth Kensington? Oh, dear, I've heard of her. She was a regular here, always surrounded by an air of mystery. But I'm afraid I didn't have the pleasure of interacting with her personally," she reveals, her voice dripping with intrigue.

Austine nods, her pen poised to jot down any additional details. "Thank you for your insight. Do you happen to know if there were any specific individuals she associated with or any peculiar circumstances surrounding her visits to the bar?"

The woman's eyes light up, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips. "Well, my dear, there was one gentleman who seemed quite taken with Elizabeth. Tall, dark, and handsome. He had an air of mystery about him, always lurking in the shadows. They shared many intense conversations in hushed tones."

Austine's curiosity is piqued, and she leans in closer, her voice filled with intrigue. "Do you happen to know his name or any more details about him?"

The socialite smirks, her gaze shifting towards Ethan. "I'm afraid I never caught his name, but he certainly caught my eye. He seemed quite captivated by Elizabeth's every word and movement. It was as if they were entangled in a dance of secrets."

Ethan's charm and composure are evident as he meets the socialite's gaze, a polite smile gracing his lips. "Thank you for sharing that information with us. It's intriguing to know that Elizabeth had a connection with someone here."

The socialite's eyes linger on Ethan, her voice taking on a flirtatious tone. "If you ever need someone to dance with, Mr. Handsome Lawyer, I'd be more than willing to oblige."

Austine can't help but feel annoyed, they were straying from the investigation. She interjects, her voice laced with subtle teasing. "Oh, Victoria, you certainly know how to make an impression. But let's focus on the investigation for now, shall we?"

Victoria's eyes flicker between Austine and Ethan, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Of course, my dear. But should you change your mind, Mr. Handsome Lawyer, you know where to find me."

As Victoria saunters away, Austine turns to Ethan, her tone filled with playful banter. "Seems like our investigation has attracted some unexpected attention, Mr. Handsome Lawyer. You're quite the heartthrob."

Ethan chuckles, his eyes meeting Austine's with a mixture of amusement and sincerity. "Well, I must admit, Austine, you certainly know how to keep things interesting. But let's not get distracted. We have a mystery to solve, remember?"

Austine nods, a competitive spark igniting within her. "Absolutely, Mr. Handsome Lawyer. We won't let anyone or anything sway us from uncovering the truth."

Austine and Ethan approach Marcus, the bartender known for his discretion.

"Marcus, we're investigating the disappearance of Elizabeth Kensington," Austine begins, her tone sincere. "We've heard she had a connection with a certain gentleman here. Can you provide any insight?"

"Ah, yes. I remember her well. Elizabeth was often seen with a man named Damien Hartley.

Seems like you two are quite eager to uncover the truth. But I must warn you, valuable information doesn't come for free."

Austine raises an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and annoyance on her face. "Are you suggesting we bribe you for the information?"

Marcus chuckles softly, his voice dripping with a hint of playfulness. "Let's call it a... small investment. Something to ensure my cooperation, you know?"

Ethan's expression remains impassive as he steps forward, his voice firm. "Marcus, we're here to uncover the truth and bring justice to those involved. If you have information, it's in everyone's best interest to share it willingly."

Marcus studies Ethan for a moment before a smirk plays on his lips. "Fine, I admire your principles. Tell you what, a generous tip would suffice. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."

Austine glances at Ethan, exchanging a brief silent conversation. Reluctantly, she reaches into her purse and pulls out some cash, placing it on the bar. "Here, Marcus. We appreciate your cooperation."

Marcus's eyes light up as he pockets the money, a satisfied grin on his face. "Pleasure doing business with you. Now, about Damien Hartley..."

Marcus leans closer, his voice lowering as he imparts crucial information. "Listen carefully, Austine and Ethan. Damien Hartley is not a man to be trifled with. He has his hands in various criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and underground gambling rings. The Crimson Court, his brothel, serves as a front for his illicit operations.

Remember, this conversation never happened. Be careful who you trust. Damien Hartley is not a man to be taken lightly."

Austine nods, a mix of gratitude and frustration welling up within her. "Thank you, Marcus. We'll proceed with caution."

They leave the bar, Austine feeling a mixture of accomplishment and dissatisfaction. "Can you believe Marcus asking for a bribe? It's infuriating, Ethan."

Ethan sighs, his voice tinged with resignation. "Unfortunately, these things happen, Austine. Some people are driven by their own self-interest. We can't let it deter us from our mission."

Austine nods, her determination resurfacing. "You're right, Ethan. We'll use this information to expose Damien Hartley and dismantle his criminal empire. No matter the obstacles we face, we won't be swayed."