The sky was cloaked in darkness, the moon barely visible behind a thick veil of clouds. A cool wind swept through the empty streets as Aliyah stepped out of the car, her fingers trembling slightly as she clutched her phone.

Still no response from Marion.

Her heart pounded as she stood outside The Gilded Oak, a quiet, dimly lit bar Marion had mentioned once in passing. He liked their whiskey. Said it helped him think.

Aliyah wrapped her coat tighter around her body and took a hesitant step ...