We moved fast. Ben was weak but alert, and with Ella's careful planning and my reckless courage, we managed to get him out of the warehouse. The adrenaline surged as we darted across the rain-slick pavement, shadows chasing us, every alley a potential trap.
Once we were clear, I leaned against a wall, chest heaving, rain soaking me through. Ben was breathing heavily too, but he managed a grin. "Bloody hell, Jamie. You actually showed up."
Ella shot me a look. "You think you're a hero? Idiot." But there was relief in her voice, hidden under the sharp edge.
We didn't stop running until the city felt empty, like the world itself was holding its breath. Finally, we found refuge in an abandoned café, broken windows letting in cold air, the perfect place to hide for a few minutes.
Ben rubbed his wrists. "I didn't expect you to come, Jamie. Thought I was on my own."
"You're never on your own," I said, keeping my voice low. "Not if I can help it."
Ella leaned against a counter, arms crossed. "You're both idiots. But… thanks. You actually saved him."
There was a silence, heavy but comfortable. For the first time since the fire, the missing friend, and the threats, I felt like we might actually be okay. But deep down, I knew we weren't. Whoever had taken Ben wasn't finished. Eastbridge had more secrets, more danger waiting around every corner.
I glanced at Ella. She met my eyes, her gaze sharp and calculating, but softer somehow. I swallowed. I wanted to say something — tell her how I felt — but the words wouldn't come. Not now. Not with danger still breathing down our necks.
Ben spoke first. "We need a plan. They'll come after us."
I nodded. "Yeah. But we'll be ready. Together."
Ella didn't respond at first, just watched the street outside. Then she smirked. "Together, huh? Don't make me regret it, Carter."
I laughed, though it was hollow. Eastbridge was dark, dangerous, and unpredictable. But with Ben safe — and Ella by my side, whether I liked it or not — I felt ready. Ready to face whatever came next.
Rain fell outside, relentless, but inside that broken café, I found a moment of calm. Just a moment. The fight wasn't over, the investigation had only begun , but for the first time, I felt like we weren't entirely alone.