The real Logan stepped out of his hotel room, pausing for a moment in the dim hallway. His heartbeat quickened, an almost imperceptible hum of anticipation stirring inside him. He had waited years for this, just a glimpse of her, a sign that his mother was out there, alive. His private investigator had called barely an hour ago, his voice steady yet charged with urgency.
"I think I've spotted her, Logan," the investigator had said. "The resemblance is uncanny. She's in the market district right now."
Logan hadn't thought twice. The moment he'd hung up the phone, he was out the door, his pulse racing as he replayed those words. The market district. If she was there, he had to see her. After all these years, his mother, Evelyn Ruby, could be just a few blocks away. Yet, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he was being watched. It wasn't paranoia. It was experience. His life had taught him that safety was fragile, easily shattered by hidden threats.
As he walked down the hallway, he sensed it, that faint presence lingering just out of sight. Mask. Logan hadn't seen him directly, but he could feel the silent watcher, like a shadow stretching to keep up with him. Mask was no ordinary follower; he was skilled, precise, and deadly. Logan said maybe he not following me. Maybe am just too conscious. He shrugged as he walked quickly.
Unbeknownst to Logan, Mask wasn't just anyone. He was Rowan's most trusted enforcer, sent to keep a close eye on Logan's every movement, and if necessary, eliminate him. His orders were clear: follow, observe, and, if the situation demanded, kill, cleanly, without a trace.
Mask kept his distance as Logan made his way to the bustling market, blending effortlessly with the early morning crowd. He wore a dark cap, his face partially obscured, his stance casual yet alert. To any onlooker, he was just another passerby, but his eyes remained fixed on Logan. This wasn't a simple surveillance mission. Mask's fingers itched for action, and the thought of carrying out his orders gave him a quiet thrill.
Logan, unaware of the full extent of the danger behind him, pushed through the crowd as he entered the market. The air was rich with the scent of fresh produce and spices, the buzz of haggling vendors filling the space. It should have been comforting, familiar, but today, every sound, every movement seemed amplified, feeding into his anxious search.
Across the market, Evelyn Ruby strolled alongside David and Logan AI 2, savoring the lively scene around her. She glanced at Logan AI 2, a faint smile playing on her lips as she observed his reaction. He was taking in every detail, his gaze flicking from one stall to the next, absorbing the world with a fascination that almost seemed human.
"You've never been among this many people, have you?" she asked, a gentle tone in her voice.
Logan AI 2 shook his head, his eyes wide with wonder. "No one is staring at me," he murmured, as if to himself. "I must look like… like them."
David chuckled, nudging him. "You do, Logan2. Just enjoy it. Blend in."
Evelyn's gaze softened, but a trace of worry lingered in her expression. She knew that while Logan AI 2 could mimic humanity, there were limits, boundaries she had to enforce to protect him and, by extension, herself. She reached for his hand, guiding him toward a crosswalk.
As they waited, Logan AI 2 looked up at the crossing signal, analyzing its patterns. After a few seconds, he concentrated, and the signal changed, giving them the "Go" light almost immediately. Evelyn noticed, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Did you just hack the signal?" she asked, incredulous.
Logan AI 2 offered a small, mischievous smile. David stifled a laugh. "I didn't teach him that, Evelyn. He's operating way above my level."
Evelyn sighed, a mix of pride and exasperation in her eyes. "David, we'll be late."
David took Logan AI 2's hand, urging him forward. "Come on, Logan2. Let's keep moving."
They crossed together, Evelyn trailing behind slightly as she continued to watch her creation, conflicted. He was everything she'd designed him to be and more, yet, at times, he almost seemed too human, too autonomous. As she pondered this, she missed the figure of the real Logan slipping past them, just a few feet away, his focus entirely on scanning the crowd.
The real Logan moved through the market with purpose, glancing into each stall, searching every face. His heart thudded in his chest, a mixture of hope and dread growing with each passing second. Was this just another false lead? He couldn't bear the thought. His search had cost him years, and at times, it felt like it had nearly cost him his sanity.
Mask continued his silent pursuit, hanging back just far enough to avoid detection. He was patient, waiting for the right moment, letting Logan lead him unknowingly. His orders from Rowan had been explicit: if Logan got too close to uncovering something he shouldn't, the mission was to end him permanently.
Meanwhile, Evelyn, David, and Logan AI 2 stopped at a cheese stall, the scent of sharp cheddar and creamy gouda wafting toward them. David picked up a block, ready to pay, but Logan AI 2 intervened, holding it up with a critical expression.
"This isn't 200 grams," he said flatly, his tone calm but assertive. "It's short."
The vendor scowled, crossing his arms defensively. "I've been selling cheese for thirty years, son. I know my weights."
David raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Well, let's see if he's right. Weigh it."
Reluctantly, the vendor placed the cheese on the scale. To his dismay, it read 150 grams. Grumbling, he added another slice, pushing it up to the correct weight before handing it over to David.
Evelyn pulled Logan AI 2 aside, her tone hushed yet firm. "Be careful not to draw attention, Logan AI 2. People will notice if you're too precise."
David patted Logan AI 2 on the back, a grin spreading across his face. "You did well, Logan2. Don't worry about it. You've got a sharp eye."
Logan AI 2 nodded, a flicker of something almost like pride shining in his eyes. David leaned down, speaking softly into his ear. "How about a little freedom? Walk around for an hour. You can explore, see things on your own."
He slipped a bit of cash into Logan AI 2's hand. "Buy some flowers for your mom, too. She'll like that."
Evelyn's brow furrowed, but David was already guiding her away. "Come on, Evelyn. Let him explore. It'll do him good."
Evelyn hesitated, glancing back at Logan AI 2 with a look of concern, but she relented. "Alright," she called over her shoulder, "be careful, Logan. We'll meet you at the car."
As they walked away, Logan AI 2 stood still for a moment, processing the experience. For the first time, he was truly alone in a crowd, free to choose his own path. He had no idea of where to go but jus stood there as he watches the crowd amusued.
Meanwhile, the real Logan continued his search, oblivious to the fact that he'd just missed his mother and her companions. His investigator's lead had been right, but in the chaos of the market, it was all too easy to lose track.
Mask trailed Logan with precision, watching his every move, waiting for the right moment to act. If Logan got any closer, Rowan's orders would leave no room for mercy.
Logan's gaze swept over the bustling crowd once more, his heart sinking with every face that wasn't hers. He was beginning to fear he'd lost her trail entirely. In that moment, he felt the weight of the years he'd spent searching and the hollow ache of every disappointment he'd faced.