With a heavy heart, Nero gathered Martha's belongings, carefully placing them back into the bag. The tablet, the devices, and the keys—all of them held fragments of the truth that he was now compelled to uncover. He took one last look at Martha's journal, his eyes filled with determination, before placing it along with other of her belongings.
As he closed the bag, a sense of responsibility settled upon Nero's shoulders. He knew that his path would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he would carry Martha's legacy with him, seeking justice for the anomalies and exposing the dark underbelly of the organization that had destroyed their lives.
The next day, Jiele stepped out of the hideout, accompanied by Enzo. The weight of finding Nero pressed heavily on her mind, and the urgency to establish a connection with him grew stronger. They embarked on their mission, determined to shed light on the enigma that surrounded him.
Their first stop was the grocery store, where Jiele hoped to gather information about Nero's whereabouts. Enzo remained outside keeping a look out as Jiele entered the store. Jiele scanned the aisles, her eyes searching for any sign of Nero. Unable to spot him, she made their way to the payment counter, where Sofie, the store attendant, awaited her.
"Hey Sofie, can I talk to you for a minute?" Jiele pleaded.
Sofie looked up, her friendly smile greeting Jiele. "Sure, what's up?" she replied.
Jiele hesitated for a moment, then gathered her thoughts. "I'm looking for someone. He's light-skinned, somewhat pale, tall, and has a tattoo on his hand. I believe he bought some chocolate or cupcakes here few days ago," she explained.
Sofie's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Ah, I think I know who you're talking about. Is he the one with dark hair and green eyes?" she asked, a mischievous grin forming on her face.
Jiele shrugged, unable to recall those specific details. "I'm not sure about his hair or eye color," she admitted.
Sofie chuckled, playfully teasing Jiele. "Well, you should have paid more attention. Are you sure there's nothing going on between you two?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jiele blushed, shaking her head. "No, Sofie, it's not like that. I'm just trying to find him because he dropped something when he left the other day," she clarified, hoping to redirect the conversation.
Sofie's playful demeanor softened, her concern evident. "His name is Nero, and he hasn't come around here since that day. I gather that he's been going through a rough patch lately and might be involved in something dangerous. Just be careful whatever you're planning with him," she advised, her voice filled with genuine worry.
Jiele nodded gratefully, appreciating Sofie's cautionary words. "Thank you for the advice. Do you happen to know where he might be?" she inquired, her eyes locked with Sofie's.
Sofie pondered for a moment, her finger tapping thoughtfully on the counter. "Well, he used to frequent a café on Croft's Avenue every day. But that place has been closed for months now. That's all I know about his whereabouts," she revealed.
Jiele expressed her gratitude once again before bidding farewell to Sofie. As she stepped out of the store, she found Enzo waiting by a car, their next destination awaiting them.
Where'd you get a car?" Jiele questioned, amazed by the sight of the vehicle ahead.
"I have my means. Come on get in, tell me everything" Enzo conferred.
The journey to find Nero was just beginning, and they were prepared to navigate the unknown to unravel the truth.
Jiele joined Enzo by the car, her mind abuzz with thoughts of finding Nero and unraveling the mystery surrounding him. She shared the information she had gathered from Sofie, mentioning the Café on Croft's Avenue that Nero used to frequent.
Together, they got into the car, the engine purring to life as they drove towards Croft's Avenue. As they traveled through the bustling city streets, Jiele couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension. She knew that finding Nero would not be an easy task, but she was determined to uncover the secrets he held.
Arriving at Croft's Avenue, they were met with a sight that disappointed Jiele. The café that Nero used to frequent was closed and abandoned. Its windows were boarded up, and a sense of emptiness loomed over the once-vibrant place.
Undeterred, Jiele and Enzo stepped out of the car, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any clues. They approached the café, their hands tracing the faded letters on the door. It was clear that something had nobody had been here for a while. Peering through a tiny opening in the window, the insides of the café revealed a scattered interior, with chairs and table over-turned and placed unusually across the room. It was clear something had happened there, and they needed to find out what.
Enzo listened intently, considering their options. "If the Café is closed, we'll need to find another way to gather information. Let's try reaching out to some locals who might know something," he suggested.
Jiele nodded in agreement, and they decided to visit a nearby community center known for its active and engaged members. The center was a hub of information, where people gathered to exchange news and connect with one another.
As they entered the community center, Jiele and Enzo were greeted by the friendly atmosphere. They approached a group of individuals engaged in a lively conversation and introduced themselves, explaining their search for Nero.
One person, an elderly gentleman named Mr. Johnson, seemed intrigued by their quest. "Nero, you say? I've heard of him," he said, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "He used to come by here occasionally, seeking solace in the company of others. But I haven't seen him in quite some time."
Jiele's heart sank a little, but she remained hopeful. "Do you know anything about his current whereabouts?" she asked, leaning closer to Mr. Johnson.
"Well, I can't say for certain, but I do recall him mentioning a friend's house nearby. It belonged to a woman named Martha. They seemed quite close," Mr. Johnson replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
"Where can we find Martha's house?" Enzo inquired, his eyes focused on Mr. Johnson.
The elderly gentleman pondered for a moment, then smiled. "Ah, yes. Martha's house is on Willow Lane, just a few blocks away from here. But be warned, my dear friends, Martha was a recluse. She kept to herself, rarely receiving visitors, It kinda seemed strange when she started loosening up around Nero. It might be a challenging task to gain access to her abode."
Jiele and Enzo thanked Mr. Johnson for the information, their hearts filled with anticipation. They hurriedly left the community center and made their way to Willow Lane, the location of Martha's house.