Chapter 2 Trust Issues

The faint sound of rustling papers and the strange scent of coffee woke Doris. She opened her eyes slowly, her head throbbing and her body feeling heavy. A little lamp on a messy desk was the only source of light in the dimly lit room. She had a cosy blanket covering her as she lay on a couch. The memories of the alley, the guys pursuing her, and the man who had saved her came flooding back, and her heart began to race.

With her eyes darting around, she sat up fast. Douglas sat at his desk across the room, poring over a pile of documents. When he saw her moving, he looked up.

He put down the papers and stated quietly, "You're awake."

"Where am I? As she pulled the blanket more over herself, Doris spoke in a tremulous voice.

"You're in my office," told Douglas. You passed out. I brought you here.

Doris squinted her eyes. This man was not someone she trusted. After everything that had transpired, she could not afford to put her trust in anyone. The thought of the thugs pursuing her made her heart race. They had almost apprehended her. Had it not been for this unknown individual...

"What brought me here? With a stronger tone now, she demanded. "Who are you?"

Douglas watched her intently as he reclined in his chair. "My name is Douglas Walter. Back there in the alley, I came to your rescue. I'd like to know why those men were pursuing you now.

Doris felt the usual rush of anxiety rise in her chest and tightened her hands. She was unable to inform him. She had no idea what he wanted from her or who he was.

She answered defensively, "I don't know what you're talking about." "I don't require your assistance."

Dissatisfied by her attempt to dismiss him, Douglas arched an eyebrow. "Those guys were prepared to murder you. Additionally, you were carrying something significant that they desired. It won't help to pretend that you're not in danger.

Doris gave a headshake. "I am capable of managing myself. I didn't ask for your assistance.

"No, you didn't," Douglas said, getting to his feet and approaching her. His eyes were steely and determined as he gazed down at her. But I'm involved now that you're in my office. You must start speaking if you wish to survive.

His piercing stare made Doris wince a little, but she said nothing. She couldn't risk telling him too much because she didn't trust him. She had no idea that he might be employed by the same individuals who desired her death.

She looked aside and murmured, "I have nothing to say."

Douglas let out a frustrated groan. "All right. However, you can at least assist me if you don't want to assist yourself. I believe you have some information on some extremely dangerous folks I'm investigating.

Doris felt sick to her stomach. He was aware. He was aware that she was part of a larger scheme. Would she be able to trust him, though? She glanced back at him, examining his features to determine whether or not he was a trustworthy person.

Who am I, in your opinion? With caution, she inquired.

Douglas didn't think twice. "I believe you are fleeing the Syndicate." Additionally, I believe you have something that might reveal them.

Douglas didn't wait for a reply from Doris. Returning to his desk, he picked up the documents he had been studying before her awakening. He gave them to her while closely observing her response.

"Look at it," he said. "I've spent years looking into the Syndicate. The persons in charge of the city's underworld are these papers. Additionally, you have likely encountered them.

Doris studied the names on the papers, her hands shaking as she peered at them. When she spotted one name in particular, Simon Bennett, her heart fell. Her life had been shattered by the man. The one responsible for all of this.

Her voice was scarcely heard as she muttered, "Simon Bennett."

Douglas gave a nod. "I assumed you were acquainted with him. Despite his years of supporting charitable causes, there is something about him that has always bothered me. I've been keeping an eye on him in the hopes of discovering a link to the Syndicate, but I haven't found anything yet. Then I came to you.

Doris's eyes snapped up. "You saw me? What do you mean?"

Douglas crossed his arms and remarked, "There was a reason you were in that alley." "You aren't just any victim. I'd like to know what it is that you know.

Doris's thoughts were racing. Despite her desire to keep him out of her troubles, it appeared that he was already deeply involved in them. But she had to exercise caution. He might also become a target if she told him too much, or worse, he might turn against her.

At last, she added in a tight voice, "I can't tell you everything." "It's too risky."

Douglas narrowed his gaze and leaned closer. "I've spent a lot of time dealing with hazardous folks. They don't frighten me.

"You ought to be," Doris answered in a desperate tone. "These individualsthey never stop. Anyone who stands in their way will be pursued. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into.

"I'm in it already," Douglas stated resolutely. "And you are now, too."

Doris's thoughts were racing with confusion and worry as she glanced down at the papers in her hands. She was forced to choose between taking a chance on Douglas or continuing to run and not trusting anyone. He had saved her life, but she didn't know him well enough to fully trust him. And she needed someone to help her right now.

She inhaled deeply before starting to talk in a tremulous voice. "I... I was involved in something." Something negative. It isn't what you believe. I had no other option.

Douglas's countenance was unreadable as he listened carefully. "What took place?"

"There was a cover-up," Doris remarked, gripping the papers more tightly as her hands shook. Simon Bennett was implicated in a crime. I lost it, but I have proof. They are attempting to kill me to silence me after stealing it from me.

Douglas scowled. "What sort of offence?"

Heart thumping in her chest, Doris paused. She was unable to fully tell him. Not quite yet. She wasn't sure if she could tell him everything. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she said, "I can't tell you that." "Not just yet."

Douglas responded, calmly but firmly, "You're holding back." "You must tell me everything if you want my assistance."

Doris pleaded, her eyes beseeching, "I can't." "You will be in danger if I tell you. You have no idea what these individuals are capable of.

"I am fully aware of their capabilities," Douglas stated, his tone becoming more stern. "I have also lost folks to them. And until I defeat them, I won't give up. But to do that, I need your assistance.

Doris's eyes got big. Had he lost people? Was that the reason for his determination? The same pain she experienced daily was visible in his eyes. Perhaps he knew more than she did.

Her voice broke as she muttered, "I'm sorry." You're in over your head, though. They will also pursue you.

Douglas's face softened for a minute as he gazed at her. "They don't frighten me," he said. "And neither should you."

The office reverberated with a loud crash before Doris could react.

The window blew inward, shattering glass, and men in masks rushed into the room. In an instant, Douglas grabbed Doris and dragged her down behind the desk. As he reached for the revolver concealed in the drawer, his heart was pounding.

Doris exclaimed in a terrified voice, "They found us."

Douglas, looking over the desk for a better view of the assailants, commanded, "Stay down." They were all three armed and wearing ski masks over their faces.

A man aimed his firearm toward the desk. "We're going to start shooting, so come out."

Douglas's head racing, he tightened his hold on his revolver. He wasn't going down without a fight, even though they were confined. He turned to face Doris, who was shaky next to him, her face white with terror.

"Do you think I'm trustworthy? Douglas asked hastily.

Doris nodded after a brief period of hesitation. She had no other option. They were both dead if they didn't cooperate.

"Come to the door at my signal," Douglas muttered.

"How about you? Doris questioned in a shaky voice.

Douglas firmly said, "Just go." "I'll take care of you."

Douglas moved quickly, emerging from behind the desk and shooting the nearest assailant before she could object. The floor was splattered with blood as the man staggered back, gripping his arm.

"Now! Douglas yelled.

Doris didn't think twice. Her heart thumping in her chest, she ran for the door. To keep the soldiers at bay, Douglas fired a few more shots and followed. Running as quickly as they could, they rushed through the door and into the corridor.

"Acquire them! Douglas and Doris were halfway down the steps when one of the masked men yelled.

Their footsteps reverberated through the deserted building as they arrived at the bottom floor. Hearing the men pursuing them, Douglas looked over his shoulder, his pulse pounding. They couldn't run indefinitely.

Douglas took Doris's hand and dragged her toward a side exit, saying, "This way."

They exploded into the chilly night air through the door. Douglas looked around to see what they would do next. However, a car screamed to a stop in front of them before they could move forward.

Marcus, Douglas's reliable law enforcement contact, gazed at them with a composed yet intense expression as the driver's window slid down.

Marcus firmly commanded, "Get in."

Douglas paused, his thoughts whirling. Marcus had arrived far too soon, almost as though he had anticipated this. It didn't feel quite right.