Heart Thief

0017 The storm is coming

"I'm tired. Let's talk tomorrow. And... thanks," Skye said, not wanting Jake to know too much or Zack to understand her current situation. These were people from two different worlds, and there was no need to entangle them.

Jake's expression remained unchanged as he smiled, "Of course. You should rest. Goodnight, sweet dreams." He planted a light kiss on Skye's cheek - a cheeky goodnight kiss. As Jake left gracefully, Skye rubbed her nose, pondering. This man had asked her to be his girlfriend earlier, yet showed no reaction to finding another man in her room. Was he genuinely open-minded, or so used to playing the field that he allowed his potential girlfriend the same freedom? Skye shook her head, too tired to contemplate further.

Little did she know, Jake was a seasoned player who could read people instantly. He recognized the awkward, almost hostile atmosphere between Skye and Zack, despite them sharing a room. His years of experience in the social scene had taught him to spot such nuances. While he felt reassured, it didn't mean he wouldn't take action.

After showering, Skye chose another room to sleep in. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. A respectful hotel staff member reported that the lock was broken and needed repair. After it was fixed and Skye was about to sleep, another staff member came to apologize for the hotel's oversight. Then came a delivery of complimentary gifts, and so on...

Skye glanced at the approaching dawn outside her window, her face darkening. She strode out of her room and kicked open Jake's door next door. Seeing Jake standing by the door with a broad smile, she let out a cold snort and collapsed onto his large bed. Now she could finally get some proper sleep. Jake closed the door, smiling as he watched Skye, already asleep. He felt more at ease with her here.

Early the next morning, Skye was roused from her slumber by a faint beeping sound. Fully awake now, she noticed the room was empty. After a moment's hesitation, she pressed the ruby earring she always wore, and Zack's voice came through.

"What is it?" Skye asked, frowning.

Zack replied coolly, "Just got word. The Boss has found Sophia."

Skye sat up immediately. "Is it true? Where?"

"Not sure if it's legit. The info came from Non-Heart. Supposedly in New York. Help me this time, and I'll give you this intel. After that, we're even."

Zack cut the connection. Skye sat on the bed, her brow furrowed. Sophia, her partner of over a decade, hadn't contacted her as promised. They had a special frequency that Skye would definitely pick up, but there had been nothing. It was highly unusual.

The more Skye thought about it, the more worried she became. Sophia was more than a friend; she was a true sister. If she had really been found, the consequences could be severe. But Sophia wasn't an easy target, and they had their own emergency contact method. The situation was becoming increasingly puzzling.

"Damn it," Skye cursed after a long silence. She couldn't ignore this, even if the information wasn't confirmed.

"Get me a ticket to New York," Skye said, appearing at the airport disguised in a baseball cap. She needed to verify this information herself.

On the airport expressway, a silver sports car sped along. Seeing a plane take off, Jake slammed his fist on the steering wheel. Damn it, Skye had slipped away again.

When he had prepared breakfast and gone to wake Skye, he found only an empty bed and a hastily scribbled note saying she had to leave. She had said she'd stay for a while, but now she was gone, clearly in a hurry. Something must have happened. Jake cursed under his breath. Couldn't she have waited to discuss it with him? Did she not consider him a friend at all?

Watching the plane disappear into the sky, Jake clenched his fist. Las Vegas, the place that could have protected her, and she left without a second thought. He didn't know whether to admire or criticize her independence and secrecy. But he wasn't so easily shaken off. Even if she went to the ends of the earth, he'd find her.

New York, The Dark Alley - a seemingly quiet backstreet that was actually the most chaotic place in the city. Here, you could buy any kind of information, from the routes of major arms shipments to the travel plans of royalty. It was also a hub for drug deals, occasional murders, and other illicit activities.

Skye stood at the entrance of The Dark Alley, leaning against a black wall, fidgeting with a lighter. She didn't light it, just toyed with it, the dim light reflecting off its silver body.

"What info are you buying this time?" a gravelly voice suddenly sounded behind Skye. A dark figure emerged silently from the shadows.

Without turning, Skye replied coolly, "I want to know about any recent developments with the Thief Organization."

"One million."

"Done." The informant's demand was curt; Skye's agreement, even more so.

"Follow me." The figure turned and led the way, Skye following closely behind.

In a dimly lit room, a cold voice provided information that made Skye's frown deepen...

Walking along the brilliantly lit streets of New York, Skye's frown intensified. The information from The Dark Alley was unusually clear and detailed. She knew her organization's capabilities well, and no operation had ever been this transparent. It was as if someone wanted this information known. Anyone attempting a heist with this intel would be walking into a death trap. It seemed someone within the organization was out for Sophia's life.