Ellie's Forgotten Fortune

Chapter 7: The Safe House

The figure in the shadows didn't move, didn't speak—just stood there, watching. Ellie's heart pounded as she grabbed Max's arm and pulled him into a nearby alley, her mind racing. They couldn't stay out in the open. Whoever was after them was relentless, and they needed a place to regroup.

“We need to get off the streets," Ellie whispered, her voice tight with urgency. “Somewhere safe."

Max nodded, his face pale but determined. “I know a place. Follow me."

He led her through a maze of alleys and side streets, his movements quick and sure. Ellie followed close behind, her bag clutched tightly to her chest. The journal inside felt like a lead weight, a constant reminder of the danger they were in.

Finally, they reached a nondescript building tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The sign above the door read *The Haven*, and the windows were covered with heavy curtains. Max pushed the door open and ushered Ellie inside.

The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of coffee and old books. A few people sat at scattered tables, their faces obscured by the low light. Max led Ellie to a booth in the back, where a woman with sharp features and piercing green eyes sat waiting.

“Max," the woman said, her voice cool but not unkind. “It's been a while."

“Hey, Lena," Max replied, sliding into the booth across from her. “We need your help."

Lena's eyes flicked to Ellie, and she raised an eyebrow. “Who's your friend?"

“This is Ellie," Max said, his tone firm. “She's in trouble. We need a place to lay low for a while."

Lena studied Ellie for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she nodded. “You can stay here, but you'll have to follow the rules. No trouble, no questions. Understood?"

Ellie nodded, relief flooding through her. “Thank you."

Lena stood and gestured for them to follow. “Come on. I'll show you to your room."

She led them up a narrow staircase to a small, sparsely furnished room on the second floor. The bed was neatly made, and a single window looked out over the quiet street below.

“You'll be safe here," Lena said, her voice softening slightly. “But don't push your luck. If they're after you, they'll find you eventually."

Ellie's chest tightened, but she forced herself to stay calm. “We just need a little time to figure things out."

Lena nodded, her expression grim. “Good luck."

As she left, Ellie sank onto the bed, her legs trembling beneath her. Max sat down beside her, his face pale and drawn.

“We need a plan," he said, his voice low. “We can't keep running like this."

Ellie nodded, her mind racing. She pulled the journal out of her bag and flipped it open, her eyes scanning the pages. There had to be something—some clue, some piece of the puzzle that would lead them to Julian Blackwood.

And then she saw it. Tucked between the pages was a small, folded piece of paper. She unfolded it carefully, her heart pounding as she read the words written in her father's familiar handwriting:

*“If you're reading this, Ellie, it means I'm gone. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you, but I need you to be strong. Find Julian Blackwood. He's the only one who can help you now. Trust no one else."*

Ellie's breath caught in her throat. Her father had known. He had known this would happen, and he had left her a way to fight back.

“What is it?" Max asked, his voice tense.

Ellie handed him the note, her hands trembling. “My father left this for me. He knew I would need help."

Max read the note, his expression darkening. “Julian Blackwood. He's the key to all of this."

Ellie nodded, her mind racing. “We need to find him. But how?"

Max hesitated, then reached into his pocket and pulled out the scrap of paper Victor Kane had given them. “This is the last address we have for him. It's in the old industrial district. But it's dangerous, Ellie. If we go there, we're walking right into the lion's den."

Ellie's chest tightened, but she forced herself to stay calm. “We don't have a choice. If Julian Blackwood knows the truth, we need to find him."

Max nodded, his jaw tightening. “Then we'll go. But we need to be careful. If they're watching us, they'll be waiting for us to make a move."

Ellie's mind raced as she tried to piece together a plan. They needed to get to Julian Blackwood, but they couldn't risk leading their enemies straight to him. They needed a distraction, a way to throw them off their trail.

And then it hit her.

“We'll split up," she said, her voice firm. “You take the address and go to the industrial district. I'll stay here and keep them busy."

Max stared at her, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Are you crazy? If they catch you—"

“They won't," Ellie interrupted, her voice steady. “I'll be careful. But we need to buy some time. If we both go, they'll follow us. But if you go alone, you might be able to find Julian Blackwood before they realize what's happening."

Max hesitated, his expression torn. “Ellie, this is too dangerous."

“I know," she said, her voice soft but determined. “But it's the only way."

Max stared at her for a long moment, then nodded. “Okay. But you'd better be careful. If anything happens to you…"

“It won't," Ellie said, forcing a smile. “I'll see you soon."

As Max left, Ellie's chest tightened with fear and uncertainty. She didn't know if her plan would work, but she knew one thing for certain: she couldn't let Vivian—or whoever was after her—win. She had to fight back, no matter the cost.

As Ellie sits alone in the room, the sound of footsteps echoes in the hallway outside. Her heart stops as the doorknob turns slowly, and the door creaks open. A shadowy figure steps inside, their face hidden in the darkness. Ellie's breath catches in her throat as she realizes she's not alone.