Chapter 5 An Enigmatical Companion

Sitting at the kitchen table, Doris stirred a cup of coffee absently. Her thoughts kept returning to the man from her past that she had seen on the street. Despite her best efforts, the memories continued to resurface. It seemed more and more hopeless the more she considered it. Who could they trust when they needed help?

Douglas walked in with a grim air. He sat opposite her and asked, "Are you okay?"

Doris looked up and nodded slightly to him. "Just thinking, but I'm fine."

He observed her for a while, obviously not convinced, but he didn't press. Rather, he crossed his arms and sat back in his chair. "We require additional details. We are slamming into walls everywhere, and they will eventually catch up to us.

Doris paused, then said something quietly. "Perhaps I know someone who can assist."

Douglas's eyebrows went up. "Who?"

Doris said, "Her name is Lydia Cole." She had previously worked on the inside of the Syndicate. However, she left. She is the only person who knows how to retrieve the evidence we lost.

Douglas listened intently and nodded. Can we rely on her?"

With a sigh, Doris combed through her hair. She's our greatest chance, but I'm not sure. Lydia was always able to find things that others couldn't. She might be able to provide us with the information we require if she is still in touch with the appropriate individuals.

Douglas picked up his phone and got to his feet. "We should give her a call. We cannot afford to waste time.

Doris reached into her pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper with an old phone number written on it. In the hopes that Lydia hadn't changed the number, she dialled it. After a few rings, a woman's voice finally answered the phone.

"This is Lydia."

Doris paused for a second. "It's me, Lydia... Doris."

Doris's heart thumped in her chest during the lengthy delay on the other end. After all these years, she wasn't sure how Lydia would react. Lydia finally said something.

"Doris. It has been a while.

Douglas and Doris waited as Lydia processed the request, sitting side by side in front of the phone. When she eventually spoke again, her voice was tense.

Why are you phoning me at this moment? I assumed you were finished living.

With a tense voice, Doris answered, "I didn't have a choice." "Lydia, you understand why I left. I was attempting to live.

Lydia let out a sigh. "You always managed to end up in trouble." Now, what would you like from me?"

Doris gave Douglas a quick look before responding. "I need your assistance. Evidence was something we lost. We will both die if we are unable to get it.

Lydia gave a sour laugh. "You want me to put my life in danger to save yours? I'm glad I'm even answering this call.

"I realize it's a lot," Doris remarked, attempting to maintain a steady tone. But Lydia, you owe me. You recall the events of the evening I departed.

Another long stillness. Doris didn't glance at Douglas, but she could feel his gaze on her. At last, Lydia eased the stress.

"All right. I'll assist. But first, you must understand something. They're already watching you. Ever since you left the safe home, they have been pursuing you.

Douglas said sharply as he leaned forward. "Who is observing us?"

Lydia dropped her voice. "The Syndicate." They're not alone, either. Douglas, your office may be hacked. You're going to fall into a trap if you return there.

Doris felt sick to her stomach. It appears the walls were closing in. "How do we proceed?"

Lydia's tone softened, revealing a rare trace of worry. "Meet me where you usually are. I'll provide for your needs, but we must act swiftly.

Douglas's face was grim as he hung up. "We must leave. Right now.

Lydia had told them about a dilapidated bar on the outskirts of town, and they drove there. It wasn't a location that would attract a lot of attention, but only those who knew the Syndicate would be familiar with it.

After Douglas parked the car in the back, they both got out and looked about for any indications of trouble. Every step Doris took made her heart race, and the atmosphere was heavy with stress.

Through a side door, they entered the pub and proceeded through dimly lit hallways until they came to Lydia seated at a small table in the corner. She appeared bright, balanced, and always aware of her surroundings, just as Doris remembered.

When they got close, Lydia didn't bother to stand. Without wasting time on small talk, she remarked, "I hope you're ready for what comes next."

Douglas was standing close by, still looking around the room, while Doris sank into the seat across from her. Doris said, "Just tell us what you found."

Lydia placed a tiny flash drive on the table after taking it out of her coat pocket. Everything I could find is in this. It's a beginning, but not much. Names, places, and financial records. To obtain the complete picture, you will have to follow the money trail.

Doris reached for the flash drive, but the bar door opened before she could reach it. A man walked in with a cowl partly over his face. Doris's throat tightened with each breath. She knew him right away.

She had assumed she would never see James again, a former coworker from her past.

Doris's eyes widened in terror as she stopped in her chair. James approached them carefully while maintaining eye contact with her.

His lips formed a smile as he drawled, "Well, well, well." "Observe who is still alive."

Douglas moved forward and stood between James and Doris. "Who are you?"

James looked at Doris the entire time, ignoring him. "I assumed you would have passed away by now," he remarked icily.

With a trembling voice, Doris answered, "James, what do you want?"

He gave a gloomy laugh. "What am I looking for? You understand exactly what I'm looking for. Doris, you've been a pain in my side for far too long. Your moment to vanish is now.

Lydia jerked to her feet, her hand slipping under her jacket as if she were ready to fight. James, you're not welcome here. Go.

James grinned more broadly. "Lydia, I am not here for you. But I won't think twice if you stand in my way.

Before anything could happen, the bartender yelled from the other side of the room, "Break it up, or I'm calling the cops!"

James looked from Doris to the bartender and back again. He turned and left the pub as swiftly as he had arrived, saying, "This isn't over."

Doris's whole body shuddered as she let out a sharp breath. She was completely shocked by James' unexpected visit because she hadn't anticipated seeing him again. With a sombre gaze, Douglas touched her shoulder.

"We must move," Douglas muttered. "Now."

They hurried back to the car after leaving the bar. Lydia's keen eyes scanned the street as she followed them out. Lydia gave Douglas the flash drive after they were safely inside.

Her voice was quiet as she said, "This will lead you to what you're looking for." "But you won't like something else I found."

Douglas scowled. "What is it?"

After a little pause, Lydia looked at Doris and then back at Douglas. "I have been investigating the communications of the Syndicate. An insider informed them about Doris and provided her address. Furthermore, it wasn't just anybody.

Douglas felt a heavy heart. "Who?"

Lydia looked at him and spoke in a sombre tone. "It was Marcus."

The world seemed to pause for a second. Douglas was hearing things he couldn't believe. Was Marcus his best friend, the one he had put all his trust in betraying him?

Doris's palm shot to her mouth as her eyes widened in surprise. "Marcus? However, he has been assisting us.

Lydia gave a headshake. "He has been on both sides." supplying the Syndicate with information while feigning support for you.

Douglas's fists clenched as he felt a surge of rage. "How much time?"

Lydia gave a shrug. "Enough time. Douglas, you must exercise caution. He poses a threat.

Douglas's thoughts were racing as he attempted to comprehend the information. His greatest confidant had been collaborating with the enemy the entire time. Additionally, he had to be cautious regarding Marcus in addition to the Syndicate. He never realized the depth of the treachery.