chapter 16: shades of the past

The small basement office felt stifling. Papers were scattered across the table, a clear sign of Cassidy and Aaron's tireless efforts over the last few days. They had hardly slept, combing through information they believed would lead them to the truth.

Aaron rubbed his temples, fatigue visible on his face. "Every lead we have circles back to Lawson. Yet, there's always something missing, as if he's covered his tracks perfectly."

Cassidy tightened her fists. "But that missing piece could be the key to exposing this whole operation. The loose end he never anticipated."

Aaron grinned, his dark eyes locking onto hers with a focus that briefly pierced her resolve. "Let's just hope we're clever enough to uncover it before they catch up to us."

Just then, a loud knock broke their concentration. Cassidy exchanged a quick, worried glance with Aaron. Visitors were rare—especially unexpected ones. She approached the door slowly, her hand hovering near the concealed knife she had started carrying.

When she opened the door, she found Jenna Carter, a young intern from the sheriff's office, looking nervous. Jenna occasionally helped them retrieve restricted files, but today she appeared pale and jittery, clutching an envelope tightly as if it were a lifeline.

"Jenna?" Cassidy asked, her voice a mix of confusion and concern.

Jenna nodded quickly, glancing over her shoulder before stepping inside. She thrust the envelope toward Cassidy. "I…I don't have much time. This is everything I could gather before they caught on. You need to take it and go."

Cassidy grabbed the envelope, her fingers shaking as she looked at Aaron, who was already scanning the hallway. "What do you mean, 'go'?" Cassidy whispered.

Jenna's expression fell. "They are looking into you. An order was placed this morning from the top to start monitoring anyone connected to you, Cassidy. They know you're getting too close."

"Thanks for this heads-up,Jenna. It really means alot." Cassie forced a smile on her worried face as she talked to Jenna who was already making her way out.

"We need to get moving," Cassidy urged, her voice laced with urgency. "If they're aware of Jenna, they're definitely onto us."

Aaron's expression turned steely. "Then we fight back. We won't let them intimidate us."

Cassidy felt her heart race, noticing a flicker of admiration in his gaze. She understood he was serious about what he said.