CHAPTER 31: NEW PLAYER

The three of them stared at Saval's phone; the message glowed on the screen like a beacon.

—Do you need help? Maybe a cup of coffee would do you good. 😉

Semiel exhaled sharply, crossing his arms. —This is either a joke, or someone wants something from us.

Saval remained still, his fingers hovering over the screen as he considered his response. Santiago, on the other hand, leaned forward, narrowing his eyes.

—It could be Antonella setting another trap.

—Or someone who actually wants to help —Saval said, running a hand through his hair—. We don't have many options.

—And that's exactly why we shouldn't fall into the trap so easily —Semiel countered, grabbing the phone and setting it aside.

The air grew heavy. There was too much at stake, and any misstep could cost them dearly. But the message gnawed at them, like a clock ticking in the back of their minds.

—At the very least, we need to know who sent it —Santiago muttered impatiently.

After another tense pause, Saval unlocked his phone again and typed a simple response:

—Who are you?

A few minutes later, the reply came.

—Someone who knows the truth. Let's meet. You already know where.

Saval frowned. The three of them exchanged glances.

—They're being cryptic on purpose —Semiel said, rubbing his temple—. But "you already know where"? What the hell does that mean?

Santiago's eyes suddenly widened. —The café.

Realization hit them all at once. It had to be Xavier.

—The guy from the café? —Semiel asked, skeptical—. The one who told you Antonella met me there?

Saval nodded slowly. —It makes sense. He saw more than we thought. And he's been watching.

—If it's him, this could be legit —Santiago admitted—. But it could still be dangerous.

Saval grabbed his jacket. —We're going. But we stay on guard.

…

The café was quieter than usual, the night settling in. The familiar scent of coffee and pastries filled the air, but none of them were in the mood for comfort.

Xavier was already there, sitting at a corner table, absentmindedly stirring a cup. When he noticed them, he gave a slight nod, his gaze sharp but unreadable.

—Took you long enough —he muttered.

Saval slid into the seat across from him while Semiel and Santiago remained standing, their postures tense.

—You sent the message —Saval stated.

Xavier chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee.

—No kidding.

—Why? —Santiago asked, arms crossed—. Why get involved?

Xavier pretended to think for a moment before saying:

—Because I hate liars. And I've seen enough to know Antonella is lying.

Semiel's gaze hardened. —And what exactly have you seen?

Xavier set his cup down and leaned forward. —Do you really think she did this alone? Antonella is good, but not that good. Someone helped her edit that video, and I have a pretty good idea who.

Saval's fingers clenched against the table. —You know who faked the audio?

—Not just the audio. The whole damn video. And I have proof.

Silence settled between them. Then Semiel exhaled, trying to keep calm.

—Alright. We're listening.

Xavier smirked, reaching into his jacket. And just like that, everything shifted.

He placed a small USB drive on the table, tapping it with his finger. —Inside this, you'll find something interesting. Security footage from the café. Audio recordings. Things I bet Antonella doesn't want anyone to hear.

Santiago narrowed his eyes. —Why do you even have this?

Xavier shrugged. —Let's just say I have my ways. The cameras here pick up more than people realize. And I have a habit of keeping an eye on things that don't sit right with me.

Semiel picked up the USB drive but hesitated. —How do we know you're not screwing with us?

Xavier leaned back in his chair. —Because this isn't free. I want something in return.

Saval exchanged glances with the others. The risk was obvious, but so was the opportunity. If what Xavier had was real, it could be exactly what they needed.

—Fine —Saval said, gripping the USB—. But if this is a trap…

—It's not —Xavier cut in, his smirk fading—. Trust me, I do honest business.

Semiel studied him. There was something in Xavier's expression—something unspoken yet heavy. He wasn't just here to help; he had his own reasons.

Santiago sighed. —I guess we're about to find out the truth.

As they stood up to leave, Xavier called out: —Be careful. This isn't over yet.

They didn't need the warning. They already knew.

The storm was just beginning.