Ava's world was shattered. The funeral was a blur of tears, sorrow, and anger. She couldn't comprehend the senseless loss of her brother, her rock, her everything.As she stood by the gravesite, she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Marcus, Elijah's best friend and member of the same gang. Ava's eyes narrowed, suspicion simmering beneath her grief."What happened, Marcus?" she demanded, her voice low and even. "You were with him that night, weren't you?"Marcus hesitated, his eyes darting around the mourners. "Ava, Iā""Don't lie to me!" she snapped, her voice rising. "Tell me the truth!"The mysterious figure from the night of the murder watched from a distance, their eyes fixed on Ava's anguish.
Ava's eyes blazed with anger as she grabbed Marcus's arm, pulling him aside. "Tell me the truth, Marcus. What happened that night?"Marcus sighed, his eyes cast downward. "Ava, I didn't want to hurt you, but...Elijah got in over his head. He was involved in some dangerous stuff, and it caught up with him."Ava's grip tightened. "What stuff? What are you talking about?"Marcus hesitated, glancing around nervously. "I can't talk about it here. Meet me at the old warehouse on 5th and Main at midnight. I'll tell you everything."
The figure in black watched Ava's confrontation with Marcus, their eyes never leaving her face. They seemed to be studying her, analyzing her every move.As the funeral service ended, the figure melted into the crowd, disappearing from view. But their presence lingered, a shadowy presence that seemed to be waiting for something...or someone.At midnight, Ava made her way to the abandoned warehouse, her heart pounding in her chest. What secrets would Marcus reveal? And what lay in store for her in the darkness ahead?