Beneath The Quiet Moon

Chapter 4 — Honstun street

The café was warm, with the soft hum of a ceiling fan and the faint aroma of cinnamon and coffee lingering in the air.. just the way Valerie liked it. It wasn’t much, but it felt safe… for now.

Mrs. Lydia, the owner, was a graying woman with tired eyes that hinted at years of experience.. and maybe loss. She looked Valerie over with a quiet intensity before nodding slowly.

“You don’t look like trouble,” she finally said, her voice hoarse but kind. Jake!”

A young man emerged from behind the counter, wiping his hands on a cloth. He looked to be in his early twenties, with a boyish smile and a friendly face.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Show her around. Go over the rules, tell her what needs to be done.”

“Sure thing.” He turned to Valerie, his smile deepening. “Hey, I’m Jake.”

“Hi Jake... Valerie,” she replied, offering a small nod as she accepted his handshake. His hand was warm — a stark contrast to the cold, uneasy pit still sitting in her stomach..

Jake went over everything, pulled out a neatly folded apron and handed it over to Valerie.. "Here you'll need this"..

Valerie nodded, tying her hair into a low bun, she walked over to the oven and checked the pastries that were freshly baked

"Valerie, over here".. Jake called from behind the counter. she walked over and he handed her a few packages to be delivered..

"Honstun street, No. 11", he said glancing at a written address ..

"Noted", She replied, tightening the strap of her helmet before heading outside. Jake watched her walk towards the Cafe's old tricycle "Be back before ten", he called out.

Valerie gave a short nod.. took the tricycle and rode off..

The unfamiliar street was quiet and gave off an eerie sound, she wondered why it was a little far from the main town.. Settling her ride, she walked to the address given to deliver her package.. a wave of alcohol coupled with the stench of cigarettes hit her..

The silence was soon broken by distant laughter, followed by the clatter of dice and muffled arguments. As her eyes adjusted into the dark street, she began to make out shadowy figures..men crouched in corners, smoke curling around them, others leaning against walls with cards and empty bottles in hand.

Gamblers. Thugs.

Her heart skipped a beat.. On reaching the crooked house numbered 11, she hesitated. A sudden crash and shouting from inside startled her, nearly causing her to drop the parcel. Without thinking twice, she slammed the package on the small step, hit the doorbell, and turned to leave.

As she rushed towards the tricycle, a figure stepped out from the shadows and grabbed her arm.

"Absolutely beautiful ," the stranger murmured, his breath hot and heavy with alcohol.

Valerie’s eyes widened. She yanked her arm, but he held firm.

"Let go!" she screamed and drove her knee into his groin.

He groaned and stumbled back, shouting in rage. "You little brat! Get her!"

Voices erupted behind her and a group of thugs launched into a hot chase after her

Valerie ran. Her lungs burned and her legs ached, but she didn’t stop.. not until her foot hit a rock and she stumbled.

Just as she was about to fall, a strong hand yanked her into a narrow alley.

Before she could scream, another hand clamped over her mouth. She struggled until..

“Valerie…” the voice whispered.

It was calm. Familiar.

Her eyes widened..