As they headed towards the lobby, Mia and Giselle were already there waiting. Diego was eyed with suspicion by Mia as she asked, "Hey! Who's he?"
"Diego is offering his assistance," Letty said, casting a quick look at him to observe his response.
Crossing her arms, Mia expressed clear scepticism. "What reason do we have to trust him?"
"We are left with little option at the moment," Letty retorted, feeling her frustration rising. "Cilghal is getting closer and we must relocate. If he locates us here, it's game over."
Diego took a step forward, nodding. "Listen up, I've got an escape plan but we need to move quickly. Cilghal's henchmen are merciless killers and won't hesitate to eliminate anyone who gets in their way."
Thoughtful, Giselle looked over at Mia and proposed, "Possibly worth considering our options. If he knows an escape route."
Mia let out a sigh, betraying her inner conflict. "Alright then. But remember, if he makes any moves we're leaving."
"Okay," Letty acknowledged, sensing the gravity of their choice. "We should proceed."
Diego guided them through the hotel by slipping into hidden corridors and steering clear of the main entrance. Letty's pulse quickened with each stride as anxiety weighed heavily in their surroundings. Eventually, they arrived at a service door that connected to an alleyway behind the building; Diego cautiously pushed it open.
"Stay near me," he directed, checking to confirm there were no onlookers. "We'll progress towards my associate's residence which is in close proximity."
Upon entering the alleyway, Letty was met with a refreshing yet uncertain coolness in the air. They proceeded swiftly, ensuring they stayed close while traversing through the cramped corridors.
Mia whispered, "May I know who your contact is?"
Diego urgently responded, "There's a small transportation business run by Manuel that can help you escape from the city."
Letty remained skeptical and asked, "Can he be relied upon?"
Diego was insistent, "Believe me, he's your best shot. He has a track record of helping people escape from Cilghal for years now. All you have to do is keep a low profile until we arrive."
As they navigated the labyrinthine streets, Letty was haunted by a persistent sense of surveillance. The shadows appeared to be in flux and each noise reverberated through her body. "We must quicken our pace," she urged while casting an anxious glance behind them.
"Nearly there," Diego reassured them as he took them further into the maze-like streets.
Upon arrival at a secluded abode, inconspicuous in nature and settled in serenity, Diego motioned towards the entrance saying, "We've arrived. Stick with my guidance."
Diego knocked twice in a distinct rhythm that conveyed urgency as they neared the entrance. After a moment, the door squeaked open, revealing a middle-aged man sporting an apprehensive expression.
The man inquired, "What brings you here, Diego?" He then quickly looked around before ushering him inside.
Diego's voice was low as he said, "Manuel, we require your assistance. I have companions who seek to escape the city."
Upon scrutinizing Letty, Mia and Giselle, Manuel narrowed his eyes. "Do they pose no danger? I cannot jeopardize my undertaking."
Diego firmly asserted that those individuals are in his company, facing peril and necessitating swift action.
Manuel paused briefly, but ultimately acquiesced. "Fine, you can enter," he whispered cautiously. "However, it's imperative that you remain silent and inconspicuous to avoid drawing any unwarranted attention."
Entering the poorly illuminated room, they detected a pervasive sense of unease. Manuel shut the door as he peered through the window to confirm their privacy.
Letty inquired with a blend of apprehension and anticipation, "To where are we headed?"
Manuel responded by saying that a small boat was ready at the docks. He suggested taking it to reach a secure place where you can reorganize and plan your next steps.
"I am grateful," Letty expressed, as a feeling of thankfulness flooded her. "Your assistance is greatly appreciated."
Although Manuel dismissed her, he still wore a stern expression. "You must exercise caution as Cilghal's men are omnipresent and will not think twice about pursuing you."
Mia affirmed, "I comprehend. We'll keep a low profile and trail your guidance."
Manuel gave a nod of approval while glancing at Diego and said, "Great! It's time to escape from here."
Following Manuel, they swiftly traversed the cramped edifice and emerged through a back door. As soon as Letty stepped outside into the chilly darkness, her heart began to thump frantically amid shadows that encircled them.
Manuel guided them toward the docks through a cramped path and advised, "Stick together." The tranquil noise of waves caressing the beach created an incongruous mood with their jittery anxiety.
Upon nearing the pier, Letty caught sight of a diminutive vessel swaying softly on the waves. "Could that be it?" she inquired eagerly as her pulse quickened.
Manuel looked around warily and said, "It's not a lot, but it will get you to safety."
Diego advanced, his demeanor grave. "We are indebted to you, Manuel. Thank you."
Manuel whispered softly, "Leave this place safely and avoid looking back."
Letty experienced a blend of hope and apprehension as she boarded the boat. Although it was their opportunity to break free, Letty couldn't shake off her fear that Cilghal's commanding influence would catch up with them soon enough. While the vessel slowly drifted away from shore, Letty cast one final glance at the metropolis where they had fought many battles.
As they smoothly navigated through the sea, accompanied by a gentle hum of the engine, Havana's lights gradually diminished in size. Although Letty found some solace in this sight, her relief was swiftly overpowered by an ambiguous feeling weighing down on her conscience.
Glancing at Diego, she asked: "Where are we headed?"
Diego responded with a serious tone, suggesting that they head to a small island where they could hide out and strategize their next steps.
Letty said firmly, "Excellent. Our next moves must be strategically planned as Cilghal will persistently search for us."
Letty experienced a glimmer of hope as the boat sliced through the water. Although they had evaded immediate peril, their journey was far from complete. Her determination to bring Cilghal down persisted and she refused to rest until that goal was achieved.