A lead

The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and white through the cab's window as Brendon leaned back, one paw resting on the seat and the other drumming against his knee. The silence inside the vehicle felt thick, broken only by the low hum of the engine and the occasional static crackle from the radio. Midnight had passed, yet the urgency in Brendon's eyes was unrelenting. He glanced at Robert, who was staring out of his own window, ears twitching subtly.

Brendon broke the silence first. "Back at the hospital… what you heard about that teenager's school name. Ridgecliff Academy. You're sure that's what they said?"

Robert chuckled, a dry sound that matched the shadows playing across his face. His canine ears flicked with amusement. "Oh, come on, I'm half-dog. You can trust my ears."

Brendon's lips twitched in a brief, humorless smile. "Fair point."

The cab turned sharply, pulling onto a quieter street. Up ahead, the city hospital loomed, its lights sterile and uninviting against the dark sky. Brendon straightened, eyes narrowing with renewed focus. The teenager he'd saved might hold the key to understanding what led to the death of Jacob Williams. If there was even a chance of getting answers, he wasn't about to waste it.

---

The hospital lobby was quiet, its artificial lighting casting long shadows. A nurse at the reception desk gave the two a startled look—wolves weren't common visitors, much less ones dressed in trench coats and radiating authority—but she quickly returned to her paperwork. Robert led the way through a series of corridors with practiced ease.

Brendon caught up to him. "You've been here before."

Robert grunted, his tail flicking slightly. "My mother's admitted here. Different floor, though."

Brendon's ear flicked in mild surprise, but he said nothing.

They stopped outside a room at the end of the hallway. Through the small window in the door, Brendon saw a woman sitting by a bed, her face drawn and exhausted. Her hand was clasped tightly around that of a boy—bandaged, bruised, and eerily still except for the faint rise and fall of his chest.

Robert knocked gently before pushing the door open. The woman startled, eyes widening as they fell on Brendon's imposing figure. Her grip on her son's hand tightened instinctively.

"Mrs. Daniels?" Brendon began, voice gruff but not unkind. "I need to ask you a few questions."

She swallowed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with trembling fingers. Up close, the dark circles beneath her eyes were more pronounced. "Is… is it about what happened to Luca?" Her voice wavered.

Brendon nodded. "I just need to understand what led to this. Any information could help us catch who did this."

The woman hesitated, eyes darting nervously between the two. But all she could offer were fragmented details—Luca's friends, their frequent gatherings, the school they attended: Ridgecliff Academy. When Brendon mentioned Jacob Williams, she stiffened.

"Jacob… he's Luca's classmate. One of his close friends," she whispered. "They have a small group… I—I don't know much more, I'm sorry."

Brendon offered a curt nod, filing the information away. He was about to press further when Mrs. Daniels, eyelids heavy with fatigue, sank back into the chair. Robert stepped forward.

"Maybe it's best if you get some rest, ma'am," he suggested gently. "We'll watch over him."

She looked ready to protest but then slumped, exhaustion winning out. With a murmured thank you, she settled into the chair, eyes fluttering closed. Robert glanced at Brendon and shrugged.

"Well," Robert said, tone attempting lightness. "Guess we're pulling an all-nighter."

Brendon snorted. "You don't have to stay."

"Nah," Robert waved a dismissive paw-hand hybrid. "I'm around if you need backup. Besides, my mother's just a floor up. If anything comes up, I'll be back in a flash."

With that, Robert sauntered off, leaving Brendon alone in the dimly lit corridor. The wolf's gaze shifted back to the boy on the bed, lips pressed into a thin line. He settled against the wall, arms crossed, eyes narrowed in thought. The night stretched on, heavy with unanswered questions.

---

Morning came in shades of gray, clouds veiling the dawn. Brendon's eyes cracked open to the sound of soft footsteps. Mrs. Daniels was still asleep, head pillowed awkwardly on her arms. Brendon straightened, bones protesting from the uncomfortable hours spent standing.

A nurse was checking Luca's vitals, her movements efficient but cautious. Luca was awake now, eyes bleary but aware. The boy's gaze darted to Brendon and widened a fraction—fear, gratitude, curiosity, all swirling beneath the surface.

Brendon cleared his throat. "Mind if I ask him a few questions?"

The nurse, human by her scent, hesitated. Her eyes flickered to Brendon's badge, then to his fangs. "I… I don't think—"

"It's fine," Luca interjected, voice raspy but firm. "I… I owe him a thank you, at least."

The nurse pursed her lips, gave a reluctant nod, and slipped out. Brendon moved closer, ears angled forward, posture casual yet commanding.

"You're Luca Daniels, right?" Brendon asked, though he already knew the answer.

Luca managed a weak nod. "Y-yeah. Thank you… for saving me."

Brendon grunted. "Don't mention it. I just need to know what happened."

The boy's eyes darkened, guilt and something like defiance flickering beneath the surface. He hesitated, teeth worrying his lower lip.

"Look," Brendon pressed, voice dropping to a growl. "I already spoke to one of those creeps who jumped you. Said you attacked them first. I need the truth."

Luca flinched but then exhaled shakily. "We did. But it wasn't… it wasn't for no reason."

"Oh?" Brendon's ears twitched. "Do tell."

Luca swallowed. "We got a tip—an anonymous call. Said those guys were smuggling illegal drugs into our neighborhood. We just wanted to… to stop it. Make a statement or something."

Brendon's eyes narrowed. "So you and your friends went vigilante. Smart."

"I know it was stupid!" Luca blurted, panic creeping into his tone. "But we just wanted to help. And now Jacob's… dead." His voice broke on the last word, eyes wide and glassy.

Brendon's claws tapped against his coat sleeve thoughtfully. "You think they killed him as payback?"

Luca's fingers twisted into the sheets. "It's gotta be. They're hunting us down, one by one. That Drago guy—he's behind it. We're all targets now. You have to save my friends! Please."

Brendon's jaw clenched at the name. "Where's the package you stole?"

Luca blinked rapidly, guilt flashing across his face. "W-we… dumped it. At the river bay. Didn't know what to do with it."

Brendon huffed. "Great. Just great."

The boy hesitated, then looked up, eyes pleading. "Can you… can you give me your number?"

Brendon raised a brow. "Why?"

Luca's fingers fumbled for his phone. "Our group… if something happens to the others, I—I can message you."

Brendon scoffed. "Oh, that's a plan."

Luca's expression turned desperate. "Please."

Brendon sighed. "Fine. But you better keep me updated about your every move from here on, if you want to live"

He rattled off the number, watching as Luca hastily keyed it in. Moments later, Brendon's phone buzzed.

BM19 (Brendon notices the group name. An uncommon one)

Luca Daniels added you.

Brendon opened the chat, eyes scanning the list of members:

Jacob Williams

Luca Daniels

James Warrick

Issac Baker

Lewis Skelly

A chill traced down his spine. One name was already grayed out.

Brendon's eyes narrowed, fingers tightening around his phone.