Grabbing my keys and phone, I headed out the door. The drive to the bar was a blur, my mind focused solely on my goal. The streets of Los Angeles were alive with the usual bustle, but it felt like I was moving through a different world, a darker, more dangerous one.
I parked my car a few blocks away and made my way to the bar. The entrance was hidden in an alley, a nondescript door that led to the underworld. My heart pounded as I approached, every instinct telling me to be cautious, to be prepared for anything.
The bouncer at the door, a hulking figure with pale skin and sharp eyes, looked me up and down. "What do you want?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.
"I'm here to ask some questions," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I need information."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And why should I let you in?"