Chapter 5: Shadows at the Docks.

The day passed in a blur. No matter how much I tried to focus. My mind kept going back to Jonathan's words. I know who killed Victor. Can I trust him?, probably not. By nightfall, the weight of uncertainty pressed heavy on my chest. Every instinct screamed that this was a bad idea,yet I found myself slipping into a dark jacket and tucking a small knife into my pocket - just in case.

Lillian wasn't happy about it.

"This is recklessness,"she said for the fifth time, pacing my living room. "What if he's leading you into a trap?"

I pulled my hair into a ponytail and grabbed my keys. "Then I'll deal with it." Lillian blocked the door. "At least let me come with you." I hesitated. The docks were isolated at night, and if something went wrong,I didn't want her in danger too. "No", I said finally. "Stay here. If I don't text you in an hour, call the police." Her jaw tightened,but she nodded. "Be careful, Everly." I gave her a small, reassuring simle before stepping out into the night.

The docks were silent when I arrived, the air thick with the scent of salt and damp wood. Dim streetlights flickered along the pathway, casting long shadows across the water.

Jonathan stood near the edge of the pier,his hands in his coat pocket. He didn't turn when I approached. "You actually came," he murmured, glancing at me over his shoulder.

I stopped a few feet away, keeping a safe distance. "You gave me a reason to." His lips curled into a smirk. "You are still as fearless as ever."

Jonathan exhaled, his breath visible in the cold air. "It wasn't an accident,"he said, turning to face me fully. "Victor's death. Or others. Someone wanted them dead."

My heart pounded. "Who?"

Jonathan hesitated. "That is the problem, because I don't have a name. But I do have a lead."

I crossed my arms. "And you waited until now to tell me this?"

He gaze darkened. "Because I didn't think you would be foolish enough to start digging."

I stiffened. "Excuse me?"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You're not the only one being watched, Everly. Whoever that is behind this - they know that you are looking."

A chill ran down my spine. "The phone call."

Jonathan nodded, that was their warning. But if you are smart,you will stop before it's too late."

I swallowed hard. "I can't stop." For a moment, something flickered in his expression - concern? frustration? Then he signed.

Then at least be careful,he said, pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket. "Here"

I took it hesitatly. What is it?

"A name. Someone who might have answers."

I unfolded the paper.my breath caught.

Carter Whitemore.

I knew that name, because Cater had been Daniel's business partner.

Memories slammed into me. The late-night meetings,the hushed conversation between Daniel and Carter. The tension I had felt but never questioned. Was it possible Carter had known something all along?

I looked up sharply. Why him?

Jonathan hesitated. Let's just say...he has more to lose than you think.

Before I could press further,a noise cut through the silence.

Footsteps.

Jonathan tensed. "We are not alone."

I turned quickly, scanning the shadows. The hair on the back of my neck rose. We need to leave.

"Go", Jonathan said under his breath. "Now."

I didn't argue.

Clutching the paper tightly,I turned and walked away,my pulse hammering in my ears. I didn't dare run - not yet. But every step felt heavier, like I was being followed.

Jonathan stayed behind, giving me head start.

I didn't look back.

All I knew was that the deeper I dug, the more dangerous this became. And now, I had a new target: Cater Whitemore.

I just hoped I wasn't too late.