Unseen Shadows

Sofia's walk back to the shop was fraught with tension. The weight of Liam's predicament pressed heavily on her shoulders. As she entered Martínez Records, she was greeted by the familiar hum of the air conditioner and the comforting scent of old vinyl and coffee. Yet, today, the shop felt different—more like a stage set for a drama she was reluctantly starring in.

She began sorting through a new shipment of records, trying to focus on the task at hand. Each album she handled felt like a reminder of the weighty situation she found herself in. The shop's front door chimed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced up, expecting a regular customer but was met by an unexpected visitor.

A tall man with a sharp suit and an air of quiet authority stepped inside. His eyes swept over the shop with a critical gaze before settling on Sofia. He carried an aura of professionalism mixed with a hint of menace, and it sent a shiver down Sofia's spine.

"Can I help you?" Sofia asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

The man approached the counter, his gaze unwavering. "I'm looking for Sofia Martínez."

Sofia tensed, her instincts screaming that something was off. "That's me. What can I do for you?"

The man pulled out a leather folder and placed it on the counter. "I'm from the local authorities. We've received some complaints about disturbances in this area, and I need to ask you a few questions."

Sofia's heart raced. She knew she hadn't done anything wrong, but the timing felt suspicious. "Disturbances? I don't know anything about that."

The man's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained polite. "It's not about you specifically. We're investigating a broader issue. Just a routine check."

Sofia felt a pang of anxiety. She had seen enough crime dramas to know that 'routine checks' often had hidden agendas. She tried to keep her voice calm. "Alright, what do you need to know?"

The man flipped open the folder, revealing a series of documents and photos. "We've had reports of a man fitting this description being seen in this area recently." He slid a photo of Liam across the counter.

Sofia's heart skipped a beat. The photo was unmistakably Liam, taken during one of his more recent public appearances. She had to keep her composure.

"I don't know him," Sofia said, her voice steady. "I mean, I've seen him around, but he's not a regular here."

The man studied her closely, his gaze sharp. "Are you sure? Any interactions you've had with him?"

Sofia swallowed hard, her mind racing. "No, nothing out of the ordinary. I think he's just a passerby."

The man seemed to weigh her words carefully before closing the folder. "Alright, Ms. Martínez. Thank you for your time. If you remember anything or see anything unusual, please let us know."

Sofia nodded, her relief barely masking the tension she felt. "I will."

As the man turned and left the shop, Sofia felt a chill settle over her. This was no ordinary visit. She had a sinking feeling that the authorities were not just conducting a routine investigation. They were looking for something—or someone—specific, and it wasn't just Liam they were interested in.

Later that afternoon, Sofia was in the back room, trying to shake off the unsettling encounter, when her phone buzzed. It was a text from Liam: "Need to meet. Urgent."

Her pulse quickened. She quickly closed up the shop, locking the door and ensuring everything was in order before heading to the flat. The anxiety of the earlier encounter only added to her mounting worries.

When she arrived, Liam was pacing the small living room, his face drawn and tense.

"What's going on?" Sofia asked, her voice laced with concern.

Liam turned to face her, his expression grave. "I've been thinking about what Rick said. There's definitely someone else looking for me, and I'm afraid it's not just a random threat."

Sofia frowned. "What makes you think that?"

Liam gestured to the guitar on the floor. "While you were at the shop, I got a visit from someone who seemed to be from the authorities. They showed me a photo of myself and asked questions about my whereabouts."

Sofia's eyes widened. "The authorities? Did they seem suspicious to you?"

Liam nodded. "They seemed too focused on me. It felt like they were probing for something specific, not just following up on a general complaint."

Sofia's mind raced. "I had a visit from a man claiming to be from the authorities earlier today. He showed me the same photo. I think they're onto us."

Liam's expression darkened. "This is worse than I thought. If they're closing in, we need to act fast. I can't stay here much longer."

Sofia felt a surge of determination. "We need to come up with a plan. Maybe we can find a way to throw them off track or get you somewhere safer."

Liam nodded, appreciating her resolve. "I don't want to drag you into this further, but I need your help. I can't trust anyone else right now."

Sofia took a deep breath. "I'm in this with you, whether you like it or not. Let's figure out our next move."

They began to brainstorm, trying to come up with a strategy to protect Liam while also keeping the shop safe. The conversation was intense, filled with ideas and counterarguments. Each new idea seemed to bring more complications, but they pushed through, determined to find a solution.

As they worked, Sofia felt a strange mixture of fear and exhilaration. She had always been a fighter, but this was a different kind of battle—one with much higher stakes.