Chapter 14: The Missing Professor
The rain fell steadily, casting a reflective sheen over the streets as Maria followed Ikran through the labyrinthine alleyways of Pasadianka. Their destination was a small, run-down building tucked into the shadows of the city—a place Maria never would have found on her own.
“This is where he was last seen?” Maria asked, clutching her jacket tightly against the chill.
Ikran nodded, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble. “If Alex is still alive, someone here will know. But be careful. The people we’re about to meet don’t give information freely.”
Maria swallowed her nerves and followed him inside.
The interior of the building was a stark contrast to its exterior. The walls were lined with shelves crammed with old books, maps, and files, and the air smelled of ink and dust. A single man sat behind a counter, his sharp eyes darting up as they entered.
“Back so soon?” the man said, his tone dripping with suspicion.
Ikran ignored the remark and stepped forward. “We need information. About Professor Alex.”
The man raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. “Alex? Haven’t heard that name in a while. Thought he disappeared.”
“That’s what we’re trying to confirm,” Ikran replied. “What do you know?”
The man tapped his fingers on the desk, his expression unreadable. “Depends. What’s it worth to you?”
Before Maria could protest, Ikran slid a stack of bills across the counter.
The man smirked. “Always prepared, aren’t you?” He pocketed the money and gestured for them to follow.
He led them to a back room, where a dusty computer sat humming softly on a cluttered desk. “Alex was here about a month ago,” the man began, pulling up surveillance footage on the screen. “Said he was running from someone. Didn’t say who, but he looked scared out of his mind.”
The footage showed Alex entering the building, his movements hurried and paranoid. He spoke briefly with the man before handing over a sealed envelope and leaving through a side exit.
“He left this,” the man said, pulling the envelope from a drawer. “Said someone might come looking for it.”
Maria’s hands trembled as she took the envelope, the weight of Alex’s trust pressing heavily on her. She opened it carefully, revealing a USB drive and a handwritten note.
“Maria, if you’ve found this, I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you everything, but it wasn’t safe. This drive contains what I couldn’t say aloud—evidence of Kentofes’ plans and their connection to PRASASTI. Trust no one except the people who brought you here. Keep fighting.”
Maria’s throat tightened as she read the words. Alex had been trying to protect her, even as he was being hunted.
“What’s on the drive?” Ikran asked, his voice breaking through her thoughts.
“We’ll have to find out,” Maria said, clutching the USB tightly.
Before they could say more, the sound of approaching footsteps made them freeze.
“Looks like you’ve been followed,” the man said, his voice low.
Ikran drew his weapon, motioning for Maria to stay behind him. “Stay calm. We’ll handle this.”
The door burst open, and two Kentofes operatives stormed in, their weapons drawn.
“Drop the drive,” one of them barked.
Maria’s heart pounded as Ikran stepped forward, his gun trained on the intruders. “You’re not taking anything.”
The room erupted into chaos as gunfire rang out, the sharp cracks echoing off the walls. Maria dove behind the desk, clutching the drive as though her life depended on it.
When the dust settled, the two operatives lay unconscious on the floor, and Ikran stood over them, his expression grim.
“Let’s go,” he said, grabbing Maria’s arm. “They’ll send more.”
Maria nodded, her resolve hardening as they fled into the night. Alex’s message had given her the evidence they needed, but it had also painted an even bigger target on their backs.
Now, the race against Kentofes was more urgent than ever.