Clith sat at the bar in a casual manner as he nursed a drink that he had no intention of finishing. It was hard to hear above the ambiance of the nightclub, so he had a hard time making out what anyone around him was saying. This was his sixth night on passive observation in one of the Silk Veil’s locales.
He hadn’t heard a single thing back from Kenneth. He had his number, but he’d been a professional for a long time. You don’t harass coworkers unless you had to or if there was an emergency.
Clith was lost in thought, considering his next move, when he felt a presence sidle up beside him at the bar. He glanced over to see a well-groomed man with a chiseled jawline and a mischievous glint in his eye.
“Well, hello there, handsome,” the man purred, his voice dripping with honey. “I couldn’t help but notice you sitting here all alone. Care for some company?”
Clith suppressed a chuckle and raised an eyebrow. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid I’m not playing for your team.”
The man leaned in closer, undeterred. “Oh, come on, sweetheart. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I could show you a whole new world of pleasure.”
Clith couldn’t contain his amusement any longer. He let out a laugh and shook his head. “Trust me, I’ve explored plenty of worlds, and I’m quite content with the one I’m in. But I’m flattered, really.”
The man pouted, his perfectly sculpted lips forming a comical frown. “You’re breaking my heart here. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to change your mind? I’ve been told I have very persuasive... skills.”
Clith grinned and patted the man on the shoulder. “I have no doubt about that, but I’m afraid my heart belongs to another. And trust me, she’s got skills that would make even you blush.”
The man let out a dramatic sigh and placed a hand over his heart. “Alas, it seems I’m doomed to pine for you from afar. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”
With a wink and a blown kiss, the man sauntered away, leaving Clith shaking his head in amusement. He had to hand it to the guy - he certainly had confidence. But Clith’s thoughts quickly returned to the task at hand. He had a job to do, and no amount of flirting, no matter how charming, could distract him from that.
Clith watched with a mix of amusement and exasperation as the persistent man returned, this time with a stunning woman in tow. She had long, dark hair and smoldering eyes that seemed to promise a world of carnal delights.
The man gestured towards the woman with a flourish. “Clith, my dear, I’d like you to meet the lovely Selena. Selena, this is Clith, the man who has so cruelly rejected my advances.”
Selena leaned in close to Clith, her perfume enveloping him in a heady cloud. “Mmm, I can see why you caught his eye,” she purred. “But surely a handsome man like you needs more than one.”
Clith sighed and shook his head. “Look, I appreciate the lengths you’re going to here, but I’m really not interested. In either of you. I’m flattered, but I have more pressing matters to attend to.”
The woman pouted, tracing a perfectly manicured finger along Clith’s arm. “Pity. We could’ve had so much fun together.”
Clith gently extricated himself from her touch. “I’m sure you would’ve shown me a good time, Selena. But the reality is, I’m not here for fun. I’m here on business.”
The man raised an eyebrow. “Mixing business with pleasure can be quite enjoyable, you know. Don’t be so quick to dismiss it.”
Clith watched as the flirtatious pair finally took their leave, disappearing into the pulsing crowd of the nightclub. He breathed a sigh, glad to be free of their persistent advances. His respite was short-lived.
Moments later, he spotted them again, this time at the far end of the bar. They were engaged in animated conversation with a striking woman who radiated an aura of authority. Clith’s instincts prickled as he studied her. Though he didn’t know her name, he recognized the way the other patrons subtly deferred to her, the way the bartenders snapped to attention when she signaled for a drink. This woman was someone of importance.
And right now, she seemed uncharacteristically relaxed, her posture loose and her laughter a bit too loud. It was clear she had indulged in more than a few drinks. The man and woman leaned in close to her, their body language suggesting a level of familiarity that set off alarm bells in Clith’s mind. He couldn’t make out their words over the pounding music, but their intentions were clear. They were working the woman, using her inebriated state to their advantage.
Clith’s mind raced. Casually, he slid off his stool and began to make his way towards the trio, his movements deliberately unhurried. He needed to get closer, to hear what they were saying, without drawing attention to himself.
As he approached, he caught snippets of their conversation. The woman was complimenting the Silk Veil leader’s bravery, her hand resting lightly on her arm. The man was spinning tales of his own exploits, his voice low and conspiratorial. And the leader was eating it up, her usually sharp gaze softened by the haze of alcohol.
Clith positioned himself at the bar, just within earshot. He signaled the bartender for another drink, using the motion to cover his surveillance. This close, he could see the flush on the woman’s cheeks, the slight sway in her stance. She was definitely under the influence.
But there was something more, a glimmer of calculation in the eyes of the man and woman. They were playing a game, one that Clith knew all too well. The question was, what did they want with a high-ranking member of the Silk Veil?
He strained to hear more, to piece together their endgame. But the music swelled, drowning out their words. Frustration mounting, Clith watched as the man leaned in close to the leader, whispering something in her ear that made her eyes widen.
The flirtatious woman caught Clith’s gaze, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. She murmured something to her companion, and they both began to steer the Silk Veil leader towards the exit, their hands guiding her stumbling steps.
Clith’s heart raced. He couldn’t let them leave with her, not in her current state. But he also couldn’t afford to blow his cover. He had to think fast.
Abandoning his drink, he pushed off from the bar and began to tail them, his mind racing with possibilities.
Clith’s heart pounded as he followed the trio out of the nightclub, the cool night air a sharp contrast to the stuffy heat inside. He kept to the shadows, his footsteps nearly silent on the pavement. Up ahead, he could see the man and woman struggling to keep the Silk Veil leader on track.
The woman, her steps unsteady and her laughter too loud, seemed more interested in the bright lights and pulsing music spilling from nearby clubs. She kept veering off course, her attention caught by passing strangers or flickering neon signs. Her companions, frustration evident in their tense shoulders and tight smiles, kept trying to guide her back on path.
“Come on, darling,” the man coaxed, his voice strained beneath the veneer of charm. “Our ride is just up ahead. Don’t you want to go somewhere more... private?”
The Silk Veil leader giggled, twirling out of his grasp. “But the night is so young!” she exclaimed, her words slurring slightly. “And there’s so much to see!”
The flirtatious woman shot her companion a look of pure exasperation before plastering on a smile and looping her arm through the leader’s. “Of course, of course,” she soothed. “But we have a surprise for you, remember? Something special, just for you.”
The leader’s eyes widened, her expression suddenly childlike. “A surprise? For me?”
“That’s right,” the man jumped in, seizing the opening. “But we have to go now, or we’ll miss it.”
For a moment, the leader hesitated, her brow furrowing as if trying to grasp a thought just out of reach. Clith held his breath, wondering if some glimmer of clarity would break through the haze of alcohol. But then she nodded, a gleeful grin spreading across her face.
“Lead the way!” she declared, allowing herself to be pulled along once more.
Clith exhaled slowly, his mind racing. He needed to act fast, before they reached their destination. But he couldn’t risk a direct confrontation, not without blowing his cover.
His eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for an opportunity. And then he saw it - a group of rowdy partygoers, their laughter and shouts echoing down the street. They were heading straight towards the trio, their path set to intersect in a matter of moments.
Clith seized his chance. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance between himself and the group, his movements smooth and calculated. Just as the trio passed, he stumbled into the crowd, jostling them with his shoulder.
Chaos erupted. The partygoers, already unsteady on their feet, tumbled into the man and woman, sending them sprawling. The Silk Veil leader, caught in the middle, was knocked off balance. She tottered on her high heels, arms windmilling comically.
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Clith was there in an instant, his hand closing around her elbow, steadying her. “Easy there,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “Wouldn’t want you to take a spill.”
The leader blinked up at him, her eyes struggling to focus. “Do I... know you?” she slurred, her head tilting to the side.
Clith flashed her a disarming smile. “Not yet,” he said smoothly. “But maybe we should change that.”
Behind them, the man and woman were struggling to untangle themselves from the partygoers, their curses and threats rising above the din. Clith knew he only had moments before they regained their bearings.
He had to make them count.
Clith tightened his grip on the Silk Veil leader’s elbow, his mind spinning as he calculated his next move. The couple was already starting to extract themselves from the tangle of limbs and spilled drinks, their eyes darting around in search of their target.
“Come on,” Clith urged, his voice low and urgent. “Let’s get you somewhere safe.”
The leader giggled, swaying into his side. “Are you my knight in shining armor?” she cooed, batting her eyelashes exaggeratedly.
Clith bit back a groan. “More like your getaway driver,” he muttered, steering her down a narrow side street. Behind them, he could hear the shouts of the couple as they gave chase, their footsteps pounding on the pavement.
He scanned the surroundings, his eyes landing on a crowded open-air market just ahead. Perfect. He quickened his pace, practically dragging the stumbling leader along with him.
They plunged into the throng of shoppers, Clith deftly weaving between the stalls and carts. The leader, for her part, seemed to think it was all a grand game, her delighted laughter ringing out as they dodged and darted.
“Ooh, look at those!” she exclaimed, lunging towards a display of glittering jewelry. Clith barely managed to yank her back before she toppled into it, sending necklaces and bracelets flying.
“Maybe later,” he ground out, casting a harried glance over his shoulder. The couple was still in pursuit, their faces twisted in anger as they shoved through the crowd.
Clith spotted a narrow gap between two stalls and made a split-second decision. He tugged the leader into the tight space, pressing her against the wall and shielding her with his body just as the couple rushed past.
For a moment, they stood there, chests heaving, the leader’s liquor-scented breath warm on his neck. Then, slowly, Clith leaned back, meeting her unfocused gaze.
“We need to keep moving,” he said, his voice low and insistent. “Do you think you can manage that?”
The leader pouted, her lower lip jutting out. “But I was having fun,” she whined, her fingers plucking at his shirt.
Clith resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “I promise, I’ll show you an even better time,” he said, the words tasting like ash on his tongue. “But first, we need to get somewhere safe. Can you do that for me?”
The leader considered this, her head tilting to the side. Then, with a put-upon sigh, she nodded. “Fine,” she said, drawing out the word. “But this better be good.”
Clith forced a smile, already scanning for their next move. “Oh, it will be,” he assured her, his mind racing ahead. “Just stick with me, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
With that, he took her hand once more and slipped back into the crowd, his senses on high alert. He had bought them some time, but he knew it wouldn’t last. He needed to get the leader somewhere secure, somewhere he could question her without interruption.
And he needed to do it fast, before the couple caught up to them once more, or worse, before the leader’s addled mind led her into even more trouble.
Clith hurried as he guided the Silk Veil leader through the winding streets, the sounds of the couple’s pursuit fading into the distance. He needed a plan, and he needed it fast.
Suddenly, an idea struck him. It was risky, but it might just work.
“Hey,” he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. “I know a place where we can lay low for a bit. It’s not far from here.”
The leader’s eyes widened, a spark of interest cutting through the drunken haze. “Is it somewhere exciting?” she asked, her words slurring slightly.
Clith chuckled, the sound a bit forced. “Oh, it’s definitely unique,” he said, his mind already racing ahead. “It’s my place, actually. Figured it might be a good spot to catch our breath, maybe have a drink or two.”
The leader clapped her hands, a delighted grin spreading across her face. “A private party!” she exclaimed, her voice a bit too loud for Clith’s comfort. “How scandalous!”
Clith shushed her gently, glancing around to make sure they hadn’t attracted any unwanted attention. “That’s right,” he said, his voice a low purr. “Just you, me, and a bottle of my finest liquor. What do you say?”
The leader giggled, swaying into his side. “Lead the way, handsome,” she said, her fingers walking playfully up his chest.
Clith swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way his skin prickled at her touch. He had to stay focused. This was about getting information, not getting caught up in the leader’s drunken flirtations.
With a nod, he set off down the street, the leader stumbling along beside him. He kept to the shadows, his senses on high alert for any sign of trouble. The couple was still out there somewhere, and he had no doubt they were still searching for their target.
But Clith was good at staying hidden. It was a skill he had honed over years of working in the shadows, of navigating the treacherous underbelly of the city. And right now, it was a skill he needed more than ever.
As they walked, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Bringing the leader back to his place was a gamble, one that could easily backfire if he wasn’t careful. But it was also an opportunity, a chance to get the answers he so desperately needed.
And so, with a deep breath and a silent prayer to whatever gods might be listening, Clith led the way home, the drunken leader in tow. He could only hope that this gamble would pay off, that the secrets he uncovered would be worth the risk.
Because if they weren’t... well, he didn’t even want to think about what might happen then.
As they stumbled into Clith’s dimly lit apartment, the Silk Veil leader let out a delighted squeal, her eyes wide as she took in the spartan surroundings.
“Oh, it’s so... cozy!” she exclaimed, tottering on her high heels as she spun in a circle, arms outstretched. “I love what you’ve done with the place!”
Clith bit back a snort, eyeing the bare walls and mismatched furniture with a wry twist of his lips. “Yeah, I’m a real interior design genius,” he muttered, steering the leader towards the sagging couch. “Here, why don’t you make yourself comfortable while I grab us some drinks?”
The leader flopped down on the cushions with a giggle, kicking off her shoes and wriggling her toes. “Ooh, I like a man who takes charge,” she purred, batting her eyelashes exaggeratedly.
Clith rolled his eyes, already heading towards the kitchen. “I’ll be right back,” he called over his shoulder. “Don’t go anywhere.”
He rummaged through his cupboards, searching for the bottle of whiskey he kept stashed away for emergencies. If ever there was a time for a stiff drink, this was it.
As he poured two generous glasses, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. Getting the leader even more intoxicated wasn’t exactly a noble move, but he needed her to let her guard down, to spill the secrets he so desperately needed.
With a deep breath, he grabbed the glasses and headed back to the living room, ready to put his plan into action.
But as he rounded the corner, he stopped short, his eyes widening in disbelief.
There, sprawled out on the couch, was the Silk Veil leader, her head lolling back and her mouth hanging open in a soft snore. She had passed out cold, her limbs akimbo and her dress riding up to reveal a generous expanse of thigh.
Clith blinked, his brain struggling to process the sight before him. Of all the ways he had imagined this night going, this certainly wasn’t one of them.
For a long moment, he just stood there, the whiskey glasses dangling forgotten from his fingers as he stared at the unconscious leader. Then, with a rueful shake of his head, he set the drinks down on the coffee table and reached for a blanket.
“So much for that plan,” he muttered, draping the blanket over the leader’s slumbering form. “Guess I’ll just have to wait until morning to get my answers.”
With a sigh, he sank down into the nearby armchair, his own exhaustion suddenly catching up to him. It had been a long night, full of unexpected twists and turns, and he had a feeling it was far from over.
But for now, all he could do was sit back, sip his whiskey, and keep watch over his unexpected guest. And hope that when she finally woke up, she would be in a more cooperative mood.
As the night wore on, Clith found himself struggling to keep his eyes open. The adrenaline that had fueled his pursuit of the Silk Veil leader had long since faded, leaving him drained and exhausted.
He sipped at his whiskey, the burn of the alcohol doing little to chase away the weariness that settled deep in his bones. On the couch, the leader snored softly, lost in the depths of drunken oblivion.
Clith let his head fall back against the chair, his eyelids growing heavy. He knew he should stay awake, keep watch over his unexpected guest, but the pull of sleep was too strong to resist.
Just as he was about to drift off, he heard a soft padding of footsteps on the stairs. His eyes flew open, his body tensing instinctively.
But then a small, sleepy voice called out, “Daddy?”
Clith relaxed, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as Selan appeared in the doorway, her hair tousled and her pajamas rumpled. She rubbed at her eyes, blinking owlishly in the dim light.
“Hey, baby girl,” he murmured, setting down his glass and opening his arms in invitation. “What are you doing up?”
Selan yawned, tottering over to him on unsteady feet. “I heard noises,” she mumbled, clambering up into his lap and nestling against his chest. “Who’s that lady?”
Clith glanced over at the slumbering leader, his mind racing for an explanation. “Just a friend who needed a place to sleep,” he said finally, smoothing a hand over Selan’s hair. “She was feeling a little under the weather.”
Selan nodded, her eyelids already drooping. “That’s nice of you, Daddy,” she murmured, her words slurring with sleep. “You’re always helping people.”
Clith swallowed hard, a lump rising in his throat. If only she knew the truth, he thought, the secrets he kept hidden behind the facade of a devoted father.
But for now, all that mattered was the warm weight of his daughter in his arms, the soft puffs of her breath against his neck. He hugged her close, rocking her gently as he hummed a half-remembered lullaby.
And as he sat there, the Silk Veil leader snoring softly on the couch and his daughter curled up in his lap, Clith felt a rare moment of peace wash over him. For just a little while, the darkness that lurked at the edges of his life seemed to recede, held at bay by the simple, perfect love of his child.
He knew it couldn’t last. Knew that come morning, he would have to don his mask once more, wade back into the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld. But for now, he let himself savor this stolen moment of tranquility.
And as he finally drifted off to sleep, his daughter safe in his arms, Clith couldn’t help but hope that someday, somehow, he would find a way to make this feeling last. A way to build a life for Selan that was free from the shadows that haunted his every step.
It was a distant dream, a foolish hope. But it was all he had to cling to, in a world that seemed determined to tear him down.
And so, with a final, drowsy smile, Clith surrendered to sleep, his heart full and his mind at ease, if only for a little while.