Chapter 3 Tracing shadows

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow into Kiera's apartment as she sat at her kitchen table, poring over Chance's last known whereabouts. Autumn and Shelly sat opposite her, their faces drawn with determination as they sifted through piles of notes and photographs.

"We need to start with the night before Chance's death," Kiera said, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her. "He was acting strangely, and I can't shake the feeling that it's connected to what happened.

"Autumn nodded in agreement, her brow furrowed with concentration. "Do you remember anything specific?" she asked, her fingers tapping against the table in thought. Kiera closed her eyes, trying to recall the events of that fateful night. "He seemed distracted, almost paranoid," she said, her voice tinged with unease. "He kept checking his phone as if he was expecting a call or a message.

"Shelly frowned, her gaze fixed on the notes spread out before her. "Did he mention anything about who he was expecting to hear from?" she asked, her voice soft yet probing.

Kiera shook her head, frustration gnawing at her insides. "No, he was vague, as if he didn't want to involve us in whatever was going on," she replied, her words tinged with regret. "I wish I had pressed him for more information.

"Autumn reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Kiera's shoulder. "You couldn't have known what would happen," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "We'll find out what happened to Chance, no matter what it takes.

Kiera rose to her feet, her mind already racing with possibilities. "Let's start by retracing Chance's movements from the night before," she declared, her voice tinged with urgency. "We need to visit the places he went, talk to the people he saw. There has to be something we've missed.

"Autumn and Shelly nodded in agreement, their resolve matching Kiera's own. Gathering their belongings, they set out into the city, their footsteps echoing against the pavement as they followed in Chance's footsteps. Their first stop was a local bar where Chance had been seen the night before his death. As they entered the dimly lit establishment, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and stale cigarette smoke, Kiera's senses went on high alert.

They approached the bartender, a grizzled man with a weathered face and weary eyes. "Excuse me, we're looking for information about a friend of ours who was here last night," Kiera said, her voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach.The bartender regarded them with a wary expression, as if sizing them up before deciding whether to speak. "What's his name?" he asked, his voice gruff yet tinged with curiosity."Chance," Kiera replied, her heart pounding in her chest. "He was here around closing time, talking to someone. Did you see anything unusual?"The bartender scratched his chin thoughtfully, his gaze distant as he recalled the events of the previous night. "Yeah, I remember him," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "He was acting jumpy, like he was expecting trouble or something. Kept looking over his shoulder like he was being followed.

"Kiera's heart skipped a beat at the bartender's words. "Did he say anything about who he was meeting?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.The bartender shook his head, a grim expression clouding his features. "Nah, just that it was important," he replied, his tone grave. "He left in a hurry like he was running from something.

"As Kiera processed the bartender's words, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. Chance's behavior the night before his death was even more suspicious than she had feared. But what was he so afraid of? And who was he meeting?

With a heavy heart, Kiera thanked the bartender for his time and turned to leave, her mind already racing with possibilities. There was still much ground to cover, and time was of the essence if they were to uncover the truth behind Chance's death. As they stepped back out into the bustling city streets, Kiera couldn't shake the feeling that they were treading on dangerous ground. Shadows lurked around every corner, concealing secrets that threatened to tear apart the fabric of their reality. But Kiera was determined to shine a light into the darkness and uncover the truth, no matter the cost. For Chance, for justice, and for the peace of mind that had eluded her since that fateful night.

And so, with renewed resolve, she set out into the unknown, her friends by her side, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in their relentless pursuit of the truth.