Chapter 4 Shadows of The Past

Chapter 4: Shadows of the Past.

Monica gripped the piece of paper tighter, the words Terminate immediately burning into her mind. The warehouse had gone silent after the brief scuffle, but the tension still lingered in the air. Gad stood beside her, his jaw tight as he scanned their unconscious attackers.

"We need to move," he said.

Monica took a deep breath, shoving the paper into her pocket. "Where to?"

"Somewhere safe." Gad grabbed her wrist and led her toward the exit. "I told you, this isn't just about you. It's bigger than you realize."

Monica yanked her arm free. "Then start explaining."

Gad hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "Not here. We don't have time for questions."

They slipped out of the warehouse and into the night, disappearing into the maze of Crestwood's backstreets. Gad led her through an old industrial district, keeping to the shadows. Finally, they reached a run-down building with boarded-up windows. He slammed the door open and motioned her inside.

"This is your safe house?" she asked skeptically.

"For now." He shut the door behind them and locked it. "It's off the grid. No cameras, no records. We should be clear for the night."

Monica exhaled and leaned against the wall, rubbing her temples. "Alright, talk. What the hell is going on? Why does someone want me dead?"

Gad sat on the edge of a dust-covered table, arms crossed. "Victor Langley isn't just a businessman who went rogue. He's part of something much bigger. An organization that operates in the shadows, controlling politicians, businesses, and crime syndicates alike. Your parents found out too much. That's why they were killed."

Monica swallowed hard. "And you? You worked for them?"

Gad's expression darkened. "I did. Until I realized what they really were. I tried to leave, but no one truly left them. They've been watching me ever since. And now that I've involved you, you're on their list."

A cold shiver ran down Monica's spine. "So what now? Do we run? Hide?"

Gad shook his head. "No. We fight. But we have to be smart about it. If we go after Langley without the right leverage, we're dead before we even get close."

Monica nodded, her mind already spinning with possibilities. "Then we need proof. Something to expose them."

Gad smirked. "Now you're thinking like a hunter."

The next morning, Monica woke to the sound of Gad typing furiously on a laptop. Sunlight filtered through the broken blinds, casting long shadows across the room.

She sat up, rubbing her eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Digging." Gad didn't look up. "Langley isn't easy to track, but I found a lead."

Monica moved closer. The screen displayed a series of financial transactions, all linked to shell companies. One name stood out-Solace Industries.

"What's that?" she asked.

"A front for their operations." Gad leaned back. "They've been funneling money through it for years. And guess who recently made a withdrawal?"

Monica's eyes widened. "Langley."

"Bingo. And it wasn't a small one. Whatever he's funding, it's happening soon."

Monica's pulse quickened. "Then we need to get inside. Find out what they're planning."

Gad nodded. "There's a gala tonight. Hosted by Solace Industries. Langley will be there."

Monica arched a brow. "A black-tie infiltration? Didn't take you for the fancy type."

Gad smirked. "I clean up well."

The gala was held at the Crestwood Grand Hotel, a towering structure of glass and gold. Monica stepped out of the car, adjusting the sleek black dress she had borrowed. A far cry from her usual attire, but she needed to blend in.

Gad, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, offered his arm. "Shall we?"

She rolled her eyes but took it, letting him lead her inside. The ballroom was filled with Crestwood's elite business moguls, politicians, and socialites sipping champagne under crystal chandeliers.

"Langley's here," Gad murmured, nodding toward the far side of the room.

Monica followed his gaze. Victor Langley stood near the balcony, engaged in conversation with a senator. He was older than she remembered, his hair streaked with gray, but his presence was just as commanding.

Her fingers itched to grab the dagger strapped to her thigh. But this wasn't the time.

"We need to get closer," she whispered.

Gad nodded. "Follow my lead."

They weaved through the crowd, picking up glasses of champagne to maintain their cover. As they neared Langley, Monica overheard snippets of his conversation.

"...final phase is set. We move in a week. No loose ends."

Her stomach clenched. Whatever he was planning, it was happening soon.

Langley turned, and for a brief moment, his gaze flickered toward Monica. Recognition flashed in his eyes.

Monica's breath caught.

Then, Langley smirked and raised his glass in her direction before turning away.

Gad grabbed her wrist. "We need to go. Now."

Monica barely had time to process before Gad pulled her toward the exit.

As they stepped outside, her phone buzzed. A single message.

You should have stayed in the shadows. Now, it's too late.

Monica's heart pounded. They had been made.

And now, the real game had begun.