The dim streetlights outside Claire's building flickered as Sam parked the car. The worn sign above the door creaked with the soft breeze, casting long shadows against the cracked pavement. Alex stepped out, the cool night air carrying a faint scent of rain. He glanced up at the building, an old brick structure, its windows dark, save for a faint glow on the top floor.
"Are you sure about this?" Sam asked, locking the car with a sharp beep. His voice carried an edge of uncertainty.
Alex nodded, though doubt nagged at him. He wasn't sure of anything right now, but walking away wasn't an option. Not anymore. "Claire's got the connections we need. If anyone can help, it's her."
Kofi's voice buzzed in Alex's ear, heavy with sarcasm. "Oh sure, because nothing screams 'good idea' like walking into the lion's den with a journalist. What could go wrong?"
"It's our best shot," Alex muttered under his breath, trying to silence Kofi's cynicism. He couldn't afford to second-guess himself now.
They approached the entrance, Sam knocking softly on the heavy wooden door. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, faint footsteps echoed from inside, growing louder until the door creaked open. Claire stood in the doorway, her sharp gaze scanning both of them.
"Alex Han," she said, her voice low but direct. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"Didn't expect to be here either," Alex replied, trying to match her calm demeanor. "We need to talk."
Claire stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. Her apartment was sparsely furnished, with stacks of papers and open laptops scattered across the room. The air smelled of coffee and stale cigarettes, a clear sign she'd been working late into the night.
"What's this about?" Claire asked, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall.
Alex exchanged a quick glance with Sam before answering. "It's about Victor Devereux. He's making moves. Big ones. We think he's onto us."
Claire's eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable. "And why come to me? What makes you think I can help?"
Kofi's voice crackled in Alex's ear, mocking. "Here we go. Let's hope she's not going to throw us under the bus the second she smells trouble."
"You know Victor," Alex continued, ignoring Kofi. "And you've exposed people like him before. We need someone who understands how he operates—someone who can help us stay ahead."
Claire's gaze shifted between Alex and Sam, her sharp mind already piecing together the situation. She uncrossed her arms and walked over to one of the cluttered tables, picking up a half-empty coffee mug. "You're telling me Victor's coming after you? After everything that went down at the casino?"
"I don't know for sure," Alex admitted. "But if he is, I'm not sticking around to find out what he's planning. That's why we came to you. You've been on this guy for a while. You know more about him than anyone."
Claire took a slow sip of her coffee, considering his words. The tension in the room felt thick, the weight of the unknown pressing down on Alex's chest.
"Alright," she finally said, setting the mug down with a soft clink. "I'll help. But this isn't going to be easy. Victor's dangerous, and if he's got his sights on you, you're already in deep."
Kofi snorted. "Yeah, no kidding. Thanks for the uplifting pep talk, Claire. Really inspires confidence."
"We know," Sam interjected, his voice steady. "That's why we need to move fast. If Victor thinks we're a threat, we need to outmaneuver him before he makes his next move."
Claire nodded, walking over to her desk and pulling up a series of files on her laptop. "I've been tracking Victor's activities for months now. He's not just after money. He's after control—of businesses, people, everything. And if he sees you as a loose end, Alex, he'll try to tie it up."
Alex swallowed hard, the reality of the situation sinking in deeper. "So what's the plan?"
"We need leverage," Claire said, her fingers tapping rapidly on the keyboard. "Something we can use to keep him at bay long enough to figure out his next move. Luckily, I've got a few leads on some of his operations that haven't been made public yet. If we can expose those, it'll put him on the defensive."
"Great," Kofi chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because nothing says 'smart' like poking the hornet's nest with a stick."
Alex ignored the comment, focusing on Claire's words. This was their best chance, and despite the risks, it felt like the right move. "Alright," he said, determination hardening his voice. "Let's do it. What do you need from us?"
"Just stay out of sight for now," Claire replied, glancing at both of them. "I'll handle gathering the information. You two keep your heads down and don't give Victor a reason to come looking for you."
"Easier said than done," Kofi muttered.
Sam stood, his expression firm. "We'll be careful. But if anything goes south, we'll need to be ready."
Claire nodded. "I'll keep you updated. But Alex—if you're serious about going up against Victor, you'd better be ready for a fight. He doesn't play by the rules, and neither should you."
Alex clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his decision. "I'm ready. I've already come too far to back down now."
Kofi sighed dramatically in his ear. "Here we go again. Another day, another potential disaster. Let's just hope you don't end up regretting this."
As they left Claire's apartment, the cool night air hit Alex like a wave. He took a deep breath, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. Victor Devereux was a dangerous man, but Alex wasn't about to let fear control him.
Whatever storm was coming, he was ready to face it head-on—but not this time. Alex smiled.
"Let's go travel."
Kofi perked up, his voice buzzing in Alex's ear. "Where?"
Alex pulled up Zarafi with a quick hand gesture, a digital browser window appearing in front of him. He typed swiftly, searching for the American Aerolines site to check his flight miles rewards. In seconds, his remaining balance popped up, and he smirked.
"Macau," Alex replied, as he clicked to redeem his miles for a flight.
Kofi's digital eyes instantly morphed into oversized dollar signs, his excitement palpable. "Macau?" he repeated, practically giddy at the thought.
Alex chuckled as he confirmed the booking. "Yep, Macau it is."