Shadows and Secrets ch3

The night deepened, and the atmosphere in *Anna's Place* grew warmer as the trio exchanged stories and laughter. Simon, however, couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. His instincts, honed over years of navigating dangerous situations, were screaming at him to stay alert. He glanced around the bar, his eyes scanning the room for anything—or anyone—out of place.

Anna noticed his distraction and leaned across the bar, her voice low. "You okay, Simon? You've been quiet for the last few minutes. That's not like you."

Simon forced a smile, though his eyes remained sharp. "Just thinking, Anna. You know how it is. Sometimes the past has a way of catching up with you."

Adam, who had been nursing his drink, looked up at Simon with a raised eyebrow. "You're not usually this cryptic. What's going on? Is this about what you mentioned earlier? The setup?"

Simon hesitated, his gaze flickering toward the door before he leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah. I've been getting this feeling that someone's watching me. Not just the cops—someone else. Someone who doesn't want me to figure out what's really going on."

Anna's expression darkened, her tone serious. "Simon, if you're in trouble, you need to tell us. We can't help you if we don't know what's happening."

Simon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wish I could give you more, but the truth is, I don't know much myself. All I know is that someone's trying to frame me for something big, and they're good at covering their tracks. Detective Miller's involvement only complicates things."

Adam frowned, his lawyer instincts kicking in. "If that's the case, we need to get ahead of this. Whoever's behind it, they're not going to stop until they've got you where they want you. We need to find out who they are and what they're after."

Simon nodded, his usual bravado replaced by a rare moment of vulnerability. "I know. But it's not going to be easy. These people... they're not amateurs. They've got resources, connections. And they're not afraid to play dirty."

Before anyone could respond, the door to the bar swung open, and a cold gust of wind swept through the room. All three turned to see a figure step inside, their face obscured by the dim lighting. The stranger's presence was immediately unsettling, and Simon's hand instinctively moved to his side, though he wasn't carrying a weapon.

The figure approached the bar, their footsteps deliberate and measured. As they drew closer, Simon recognized the sharp features and piercing gaze of Detective Jessica Miller. She stopped a few feet away, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable.

"Simon Harrison," she said, her voice calm but laced with authority. "Fancy seeing you here. I thought you'd be lying low after our little chat earlier."

Simon recovered quickly, his trademark smirk returning. "Detective Miller. To what do I owe the pleasure? Did you miss me already?"

Jessica's lips twitched, though her eyes remained cold. "Hardly. I'm here on official business. We need to talk."

Adam stood, his tone diplomatic but firm. "Detective, if this is about my client, I'd appreciate it if you went through me. Simon's had a long day, and he's not in a position to answer any more questions without legal representation."

Jessica's gaze shifted to Adam, her expression softening slightly. "Mr. Carter, I understand your concern. But this isn't about the case—at least, not directly. I have information that Simon might find... interesting. And time is of the essence."

Simon raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "Information, huh? Well, you've got my attention. What's this about?"

Jessica hesitated, glancing around the bar before leaning in closer. "Not here. Somewhere more private. Trust me, Simon, you're going to want to hear this."

Simon exchanged a look with Adam and Anna, both of whom seemed equally wary. Finally, he nodded, his curiosity outweighing his caution. "Alright, Detective. Lead the way."

Jessica turned and headed for the door, Simon following close behind. As they stepped out into the cool night air, Simon couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Whatever Jessica had to say, he knew it was going to change everything.

To Be Continued...