Chapter 4 A world of addiction

Austine and Ethan, fueled by their determination to expose Damien Hartley's criminal empire, make their way to The Crimson Court. They enter the establishment with a plan in mind-to gather information about Hartley's illicit activities and, if possible, locate him.

Pretending to be undercover police officers on the hunt for Damien, they approach the bouncers stationed at the entrance. Austine assumes an authoritative demeanor, flashing a badge that Ethan had cleverly acquired for their charade.

"We're looking for Damien Hartley. We have reason to believe he's operating illegal activities here," Austine asserts, her tone firm and commanding.

The bouncers, taken aback by the apparent presence of law enforcement, exchange nervous glances. One of them, a burly man with a shaved head, steps forward. "Right this way, officers. I'll escort you to a private room where Mr. Hartley entertains his friends."

Austine and Ethan follow the bouncer through the labyrinthine corridors of The Crimson Court, their hearts pounding with anticipation. They pass by several rooms and a obscene strip pole wherein women with barely anything on dance sensually. Their legs entwined with the pole as they slid down. Austine couldn't help but be revolted by the scene, "Absolutely digusting. What kind of man wants to own a place like this?"

Ethan averted his gaze from the strippers and replied, "Well, you would be surprised. Too many men dream of owning places like this. Suprisingly, only this man can get away with it in broad daylight."

As they reach the designated room, the bouncer hesitates before opening the door. "Be careful in there. Mr. Hartley can be... unpredictable."

With a nod of gratitude, Austine and Ethan step into the room, their eyes are immediately drawn to Damien Hartley, the enigmatic figure at the center of their investigation. He sits on an ornate chair, surrounded by an entourage of well-dressed individuals and women hired in his establishment, wearing scanty clothes as the pass around his friends.

Austine's gaze quickly assesses the room, searching for any signs of evidence or clues.

As Austine approaches Hartley, her eyes meet his, and a wicked smile curves his lips. "Well, well, what do we have here? Two brave officers on my doorstep. What can I do for you, my lovely detective?"

Austine and Ethan stand before Damien Hartley, the arrogant and enigmatic figure who holds the key to their investigation. Austine's eyes bore into his, her determination unyielding.

"We're conducting an investigation, Mr. Hartley. We believe you may be involved in illegal activities. I must warn you, my partner here is a lawyer, and we have evidence against you," Austine asserts, her voice steady.

A flicker of concern crosses Hartley's face, and he shifts in his seat. "A lawyer, you say? Well, then, perhaps we should discuss this matter privately."

He motions toward a couch where a handsome stranger lies in a drunken slumber. "You'll excuse Thomas. He had a bit too much to drink. But I assure you, he's harmless."

Austine takes a seat, her eyes fixed on Hartley. "Tell us what we need to know, Mr. Hartley. We're not here to play games."

Hartley's demeanor shifts, his voice taking on a more somber tone. "Very well, detective. Since you're so eager to know, let me enlighten you. Elizabeth Kensington...Beautiful young woman. She was rich too. But she was also a drug user."

Austine's eyebrows furrow as she listens intently. "Go on. What happened to her?"

Hartley leans forward, his gaze piercing. "Fueled by her addiction, she ran off, detective. She disappeared with the very person who supplied her with the drugs. She's lost in a world of addiction, and I doubt you'll find her."

His face darkens as he says this. Clearly, he cared about Elizabeth, but not enough to stop her.

Austine's heart sinks, the weight of disappointment and frustration settling upon her. Ethan, noticing her distress, places a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"We've hit a dead end with Elizabeth Kensington," he whispers, his voice filled with empathy. "Sometimes, cases don't unfold the way we hope. We can't save everyone, Austine. It's the harsh reality of our work."

"You ought to listen to your friend there. Won't find anything good here," Damien speaks as he swirls the edges of the wine glass emanating a sharp eerie sound.

Austine brushes him off and takes a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of sadness and determination. "I know, Ethan. But we can't let this setback discourage us. There are still others who need our help, who are trapped in Hartley's web of criminal activities."

Ethan squeezes her shoulder gently, offering silent reassurance. "You're right, Austine. We'll shift our focus and continue to gather evidence against Hartley. We owe it to the victims he preys upon to bring him down."

Before they leave the room, Hartley leans back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips. "Consider this a warning, detective. You've taken a step into a dangerous world. Leave now and never return. The consequences of crossing me are severe."

They both scoff at him and leave the vile place.

The weight of unresolved questions hangs in the air. The truth about Elizabeth Kensington remains elusive, and the case takes an unexpected turn. Yet, in that moment of disappointment, Austine and Ethan find solace in each other's support and the unwavering determination to seek justice.