Chapter 3 Elena's Will

Some women inherit jewels or family recipes. I took over a tireless search for justice.

Although my father always believed I had too much heart for this area of work, he was unaware it sharpened me. More propelled.

Not here to be the ideal daughter or the next rookie detective living in his shadow. I came here to establish myself.

Which was why the events of last night-him-we're chewing at me.

The gala was meant to be basic. Beautiful gowns, dull presentations, and an opportunity to socialize with the political elite of the city. Rather, I came across a burglar who moved like fog and had eyes that made me doubt what I knew about crooks.

Ryder

Though I didn't know his name yet, that smug smile stayed with me. He had passed through my fingers, leaving just a bolt of annoyance and an unquenchable burning.

Now seated in my father's office, I handed over the gala security video. Although it had taken some coaxing to acquire access to these files, I was not allowing him to ignore this.

Elena, what search are you looking for? From behind his desk, my father questioned with a dubious voice.

"A lead," I said, looking over the blurry video. He was audacious enough to turn up for the gala. He must be confident, as this implies perhaps too sure.

Arranging his arms over his chair, my father reclined back. His emblem sparkled in the sunshine coming through the window. To me, he had always been bigger than life-stoic, austere, the type of guy who made you stand a bit straighter merely entering the room. Still, recently cracks was beginning to appear.

With a stern voice, he urged, "Let it go." "We have more issues to handle than some thieves."

Unable to keep the fury out of my voice, I shot back, "This thief is making a fool of us." "You're advising me to ignore him; he's been sliding between the gaps for months.""

"I'm telling you to give priorities top importance," he said, his voice like steel. "Real criminals are out there, Elena. Risky ones.

And why do you find this man to not be dangerous?'''

He ignored her, and that quite conveyed more than words could ever have.

Following leads, I spent the remainder of the day, but by nightfall I was no closer to locating him. Every path came to a dead end, every testimony erratic and untrustworthy. It was aggravating.

And suddenly he was here. His movements, the way his words stayed in my thoughts like an echo I couldn't shake.

Though I wanted to keep it hidden, there was something about him. Something else caused my pulse to speed, not just out of wrath but also something else.

I dismissed the idea and went to the Lower District, the one location I knew would provide solutions.

The streets here was not at all like the polished districts I had grown up in. They was alive in various ways, vibrating with the type of energy that, if improperly navigated, might be fatal.

Though I felt eyes on me, I maintained my head up and confident walk. This was not my first visit here; early on I had discovered that hesitancy was a weakness you could not afford.

My aim was a tavern hidden in a dark nook of the city, the type of place where secrets was money and the incorrect enquiry could kill you.

Inside, the quiet hum of voices mixed with dense smoke. I looked across the room and focused on a guy seated at the bar-a known source who tended to have loose lips when appropriately motivated.

I slipped down to the seat next to Danny.

He raised his bloodshot eyes harrowingly and realized something. "Hart," you know, my reputation suffers somewhat when you show your presence here.

"Neither is hiding information," I said, keeping my voice laid back. "I'm seeking someone.

Danny laughed and leant back to sip his drink slowly. Not all of us, however.'''

I moved a picture across the bar, a single frame from the gala video. Tell me who he's, please.

Danny's attitude altered. subtle but clearly identifiable. She identified him.

"Can't help you," he answered, shoving back the picture.

I leant in, Danny said, lowering my voice to a menacing whisper. "Games do not appeal to me right now. Tell me all you know; then, I will make sure every police officer in this city finds you precisely where you're.

His jaw clenched, and for a few seconds I thought he may flee. He groaned again, running a palm over his face.

"Fine," he said in a whisper. But you missed hearing it from me.

An hour later I was standing on the outskirts of the city besides a deserted warehouse. Danny said here I would discover my thief-or at least someone who knew him.

The air smelled of rain, the sky gloomy and weighty. I dropped inside, my beam slicing through the darkness. The area was absolutely silent, the type of silence that made the hair on the rear of your neck rise up.

I walked deliberately, my senses sharp. Every floorboard squeak and shadow movement seemed like a menace.

I later heard it as well.

Deep and guttural, a rumbling growl emanating from someplace ahead. As I grabbed the flashlight, my heart raced in my chest.

"Who's there? I answered, my voice calm even though I was running on excitement.

None.

I moved forward; the roar became louder. Then he materialized, emerging from the darkness like a predator seeking its target.

His name was it.

Ryder.

But something else now, something I hadn't seen at the gala. His eyes shone slightly in the darkness, an odd, wolfish color. His presence was more dominant.

Neither of us moved momentarily. Unspoken tension filled the air between us.

"This's where you're working? His voice was low and menacing as he inquired.

I fired back, attempting to hide the way my pulse surged and ask the same question.

He grinned, the same confident, nasty smile from the gala. I will say you have guts. But love, you're engaged in a deadly game.

I snapped, coming forward and saying, "Don't call me that."

His smile vanished, and for a minute something almost vulnerable flashed in his face.

"You ought to go," he replied gently. "Your world is not this one."

I said, "I'm making this my world."

The words lingered in the air, and for a brief while I thought he may say anything else. But suddenly the moment was broken by the sound of feet echoing throughout the warehouse.

Ryker's face became stiff, and he grabbed my arm to drag me into the darkness just as a group of guys walked into the room.

His breath warm on my ear, he said, "They're not here for you." Still, they won't give a damn if they come across you.

I had no time to dispute. Armed and with quiet, strained voices, the guys proceeded across the warehouse.

Ryker guided me through the labyrinth of goods and equipment, his motions swift and stealthy. His hold on my arm tightened.

The crisp night air slapped me like a slap as we at last slid out a side door. I drew my arm free and turned to face him.

"What the heck was that? I begged.

Your first and last warning," he added, his voice cooler now. "Stay clear of this, Elena. You're beyond your comprehension.

Then he vanished into the evening like a phantom.

But I left him behind. Not quite sure.