Chapter 3 Running Away

Douglas drove silently on the dark, winding route, his hands firmly gripping the steering wheel. Doris sat silently beside him, gazing out the window, her gaze flickering to the shadows created by the trees that passed by. They had gotten away from Marcus, but trust was ephemeral, and Douglas no longer knew whom to trust.

At last, they reached an ancient cabin hidden deep in the forest. The location was far away, obscured from the outside world, and hardly discernible from the dirt road. After bringing the vehicle to a halt, Douglas faced Doris.

He declared, "For the time being, we'll be safe here." "No one is aware of this location."

Doris followed him inside, nodding but saying nothing. The cottage smelled faintly of damp wood and was small and dingy, with aged furniture. It was designed for survival rather than comfort.

Doris paused as they went in. "How long can we hide, in your opinion?"

After glancing at her, Douglas locked the door. "Enough time for you to explain the situation to me. I must know the true reason for your running. The reality, Doris.

She bowed her head while twitching her fingers uncomfortably. "I told you already... I was involved with something. Something I ought not to have been.

Her evasive responses did not satisfy Douglas. Trying to be patient, he inhaled deeply. "What was that evidence you lost?"

Doris paused, without looking into his eyes. "It's crucial. It demonstrates that Simon Bennett is the Syndicate's mastermind. It might defeat him.

Douglas squinted his eyes. "You're telling me that one of the city's most powerful men could be overthrown by that piece of evidence?"

Doris gave a nod. Indeed. They are pursuing me because of this.

Douglas gazed at her, attempting to determine whether she was being completely honest. He had witnessed the downfall of strong men before, but it wasn't simple. Doris was now a target, as was anyone who possessed that evidence.

There was stillness for a few seconds, and then Douglas turned away and paced the room. He felt uneasy about something. The unwavering sensation persisted in his mind that Doris was concealing something significant from him.

He folded his arms and paused before her. "Doris, why did you become engaged in the first place? How are you related to the Syndicate?

Doris's eyes flashed hesitantly as she bit her lip. "I had no other option."

"There's always an option," Douglas asserted. "You had the option to leave."

"I was unable to!" Doris's voice faltered as her annoyance came through. "You're not getting it. Everything is under Simon Bennett's authority. I had nowhere to go. Although I believed I was assisting someone, I was pulled into something much more significant.

Still not convinced, Douglas examined her. You were simply enmeshed in it, then? By chance?"

He could tell everything from Doris's quiet. She wasn't telling him everything. There was more to it than she was acknowledging, and Douglas was aware that it would endanger their lives if he didn't learn the truth quickly.

"Doris," he continued softer, "I need your trust." I must know everything if I am to assist you. Every detail.

Doris gazed up at him, doubt shining in her eyes. "I'm not sure if I can trust anybody."

Douglas tried to ignore his annoyance by clenching his jaw. He was aware of her fear, but he was unable to adequately protect her without knowing the whole truth.

He muttered, "I've been chasing the Syndicate for years." "You could kill us both if you're holding back."

Doris's gaze softened for a second. She gave Douglas the impression that she wanted to speak or open her mouth to him. She parted her lips, but nothing came out. Rather, she turned away and gave herself a self-hug with shaking hands.

"I apologize," she said in a barely audible whisper. "I didn't intend for this to occur."

Douglas kept a careful eye on her. Something a profound sadness, fear, or possibly guilt was there in her eyes. Even though he didn't know her well, he could tell she had experienced a traumatic event.

Douglas softened his tone and said, "You can tell me." "I'm not here to cause you harm." All I want to do is assist.

Doris's shoulders drooped, and it appeared for a moment that she would lose it. Her hands gripped her arms tightly as she drew in a trembling breath.

Her voice cracked as she continued, "I can't." "They'll kill you too if I tell you."

Douglas took a step forward and put his hand lightly on her shoulder. "We'll work it out." Together.

However, Doris retreated, taking a step back. They appeared to become more emotionally distant from one another. She still didn't have enough faith in him. Not entirely. She was being torn apart by it.

Doris said, "I don't want to involve you in this mess." "It's better for you without me."

Douglas firmly responded, "I'm already involved." "I'm in this with you now, whether you like it or not."

Unshed tears sparkled in Doris's eyes, but she blinked them away as she turned back to face him. She had briefly shown vulnerability, but she had since cut herself off once more.

Douglas let out a sigh. If they were to have any hope of surviving what was about to happen, he needed her to open, even though he knew it wouldn't be easy.

The tension was broken when Douglas's phone rang as the hush descended upon them. He looked at Marcus on the television. After a moment of hesitation, Douglas took the call.

"Douglas," Marcus said in a quiet, desperate voice. "We must speak."

Douglas shifted to a room corner and spoke quietly. "This is not a good moment."

"I don't care," Marcus snapped back. "You must hear the information I have."

Douglas scowled. Marcus sounded tense and more nervous than normal. "What is it?"

"Douglas, they're coming for her. A powerful person wants Doris dead.

Douglas felt a heavy heart. Even though he had anticipated this, it was still a shock to have it verified. "How are you aware?"

Marcus remarked, "I've been hearing things." Whispers coming from Syndicate associates. This exceeds our expectations. And they're pursuing more than simply Doris.

Douglas gripped the phone more tightly. "What do you mean?"

Marcus paused for a moment, then went on. They're pursuing you as well. This has to do with your past.

Douglas's heart froze. His history? By that, what might Marcus mean? Although he had been pursuing the Syndicate for years, he believed that his relationship with them was solely investigative. What was Marcus discussing?

"Marcus, what do you know?" Douglas's voice hardened as he demanded.

Marcus answered, "I can't say much over the phone." But believe me, you're in worse danger than you think. You must use caution.

Douglas experienced a surge of uneasiness. Marcus might be telling the truth. Was there any connection between the Syndicate and his past? How, if at all?

Quickly, Marcus said, "Meet me." Tomorrow is the typical location. Then I will explain everything.

With a pause, Douglas turned to face Doris, who was seated on the couch and gazing at the floor. He needed answers, but he couldn't afford to leave her alone.

At last, Douglas responded, "I'll be there," and hung up.

His head was buzzing with questions as he turned back to Doris. If Marcus was right, this was about more than just keeping Doris safe. It was about finding something much more significant. Something that might ruin everything.

Douglas felt as though his own life was going to fall apart as he stood there with Marcus's comments bearing down on him. What was Marcus trying to say about his history? And why did the Syndicate want to find them both so badly?

"Douglas," Doris whispered, disturbing the quiet. "What's happening?"

Douglas's face was stern as he gazed at her. "I didn't realize we were both in such danger."