Echoes of Proxima

Chapter 6: A Grim Discovery

Spring in Portland had transformed the city into a canvas of vibrant colors and fresh scents, but for David and Steve, the passing days brought only a deepening sense of unease. It had been well over a week since their meeting with Isiah, and despite several attempts to reach out, they had heard nothing. The silence was deafening.

David's anxiety grew with each passing day. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he called Steve. "We need to check on Isiah. Something doesn't feel right," he said, his voice tight with worry.

Steve agreed, and they decided to meet at Isiah's home later that afternoon. The sky was overcast as they arrived, a somber gray that matched their mood. They knocked on the front door, but there was no answer. After several more attempts, they exchanged uneasy glances.

"Let's take a look around back," Steve suggested. "Maybe he's just out and forgot to lock up."

As they made their way to the back of the house, they noticed the back door was slightly ajar. A chill ran down David's spine. "This doesn't look good," he murmured.

Steve nodded. "We should check inside. Isiah wouldn't mind."

They stepped cautiously through the door, calling out Isiah's name. The house was eerily silent. The kitchen came into view first, and that's when they saw him. Isiah lay motionless on the floor, a pool of blood beneath him. The scene was gruesome, and the shock hit them like a wave.

"Oh my God," David whispered, his voice trembling. "What happened here?"

As they looked around, it became clear that the house had been ransacked. Drawers were pulled out, papers scattered everywhere, and furniture overturned. It wasn't a robbery—someone had been searching for something specific.

David and Steve locked eyes, understanding the gravity of the situation. Isiah had been murdered, and whoever had done this was looking for the document. They couldn't afford to draw attention to themselves now. The stakes were far higher than they had anticipated.

"We need to get out of here," Steve said urgently. "We can't stay. They might come back."

David nodded, his heart pounding. "But what about the police? Shouldn't we call them?"

Steve hesitated, the moral dilemma evident in his eyes. "If we call the police, it'll bring attention to us and the document. We can't risk it. We need to stay incognito until we figure out our next steps."

It was a hard choice, but they knew it was the right one. Quickly and quietly, they exited the house, making sure to leave everything as undisturbed as possible. Once outside, they hurried away, the weight of their decision pressing heavily on their shoulders.

Back at David's apartment, they sat in silence, the reality of their situation sinking in. Someone knew about the document, and they were willing to kill to keep the secret. David and Steve had to figure out who to contact next without putting their lives in danger.

"We need someone who can help us without drawing attention," Steve said finally. "Someone we can trust completely."

David nodded, the faces of potential allies flashing through his mind. They couldn't do this alone, but finding the right person was crucial. The echoes of Proxima Centauri b had reached them, and now, it was their turn to navigate the dangerous terrain that lay ahead.