Sparks - Daniel Ricciardo

Fifty One

6,000 words of chaos, enjoy ;)
📍27th August 2022 - Manchester, UK

The night hung heavy over the city, cloaking Amber and Harry in an inky shroud as they sat in Harry's blacked-out car. Its leather seats creaked softly with every shift, and the hum of the engine was a low, steady purr.

The sprawling hotel loomed in front of them, its entrance bustling with guests, their lives oblivious to the drama that was about to unfold.

Amber cast a frustrated glance at the dashboard clock and then back to him. "Harry, are you sure this is worth it? We've been here for hours, and all we've seen so far are valets running around like headless chickens."

Harry, who was intently focused on the hotel's entrance through a pair of binoculars, raised an eyebrow but didn't lower them. "Patience, Amber. We're this close to nailing the bastard. Just a little longer."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "You said that two hours ago. How much longer are we going to sit here eating popcorn and watching nothing happen?"

Harry grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he popped a piece of popcorn into his mouth. "That's the thrill of a stakeout, my love. The moment you start doubting is usually the moment something exciting occurs."

Amber shook her head in exasperation, her gaze flicking back to the hotel's entrance. "You have a weird definition of excitement, Harry. I'd rather be at home, catching up on whatever series that I'm binge watching."

Harry adjusted the binoculars, squinting at a group of people exiting the hotel. "I promise, this stakeout will pay off. We're gathering intel, and soon we'll have all the evidence we need to solve this case and catch Liam."

Amber sighed but couldn't help but admire Harry's determination. "Alright, just don't expect me to eat any more of that popcorn. It's been sitting in your glove compartment for God knows how long."

As they continued to watch and wait, the night air outside the car grew colder, but inside, the anticipation was heating up.

As the minutes stretched into what felt like hours, Amber's patience wore thin. She shifted in her seat, letting out an audible groan. "Harry, I can't take this anymore. I mean, seriously, this is driving me insane."

Harry turned to look at her, his brow furrowing. "Amber, you've got to stay focused. This is our best shot at catching Liam."

Just as she was about to protest further, her phone rang again. It was Daniel, calling for what felt like the millionth time. Her heart sank, and she reached for her phone, but Harry's hand shot out and stopped her.

He shook his head, a stern look in his eyes. "No, Amber. We can't afford any distractions right now. We need to give this stakeout our full attention."

Amber reluctantly silenced her phone, her face a mix of frustration and worry. Her relationship with Daniel had been strained lately because of this newfound dilemma she had found herself in.

She returned her gaze to the binoculars, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. The hotel entrance remained her focus, and the tension in the car intensified. Amber's heart ached for Daniel, but she knew that right now, her duty to help Harry and find Liam took precedence over everything else, including her own personal life.