the suspect

5.

As night fell, Riley and Alissa found themselves in a safe house on the outskirts of the city. The modest, nondescript building was surrounded by thick trees, providing a natural barrier against prying eyes. Inside, it was sparsely furnished, but it felt secure, a welcome change from the constant fear that had shadowed their every move.

Jenna had left them with a promise to return soon with more details and a plan to take down Sebastian. Until then, they were to stay put, out of sight and out of danger. But as the hours ticked by, the quiet house seemed to amplify Riley's thoughts, each creak and whisper of wind outside a reminder of the peril they faced.

Alissa sat on the worn couch, her head in her hands. "I can't believe it's come to this," she muttered, her voice heavy with regret. "I never wanted to drag you into this, Riley."

He moved to sit beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You didn't drag me into anything. I chose to help. We'll get through this together."

Alissa looked up, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. "You're risking everything for me."

Riley shook his head. "I'm doing this for all of us. For our community. And for you. You deserve a chance to make things right."

Before Alissa could respond, there was a knock at the door, making them both jump. Rileys's heart raced as he moved cautiously toward the peephole. Seeing Jenna's familiar face on the other side, he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding and opened the door.

"Sorry to startle you," Jenna said as she stepped inside. "We need to move quickly. We have a plan, but it's going to require your help."

Riley and Alissa listened intently as Jenna laid out the strategy. The police had gathered enough evidence from their testimony and previous investigations to raid Sebastian's main hideout. But they needed someone on the inside to confirm his presence and the specifics of his operation.

"I can't go back in there," Alissa said, his voice trembling. "If Sebastian sees me"

"He won't," Jenna assured her. "We have a way to get you in and out without being seen. And you won't be alone. We'll have a team ready to move the moment we have confirmation."

Alissa looked to Riley, who nodded encouragingly. "We can do this," he said firmly. "It's the only way to stop him for good."

Alissa took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Alright. What do I need to do?"

Jenna explained the plan in detail. Alissa would wear a hidden camera and earpiece, allowing the police to monitor her movements and communicate with her. He would enter Sebastian's hideout under the guise of seeking refuge, claiming he was on the run from the police.

It was a dangerous gamble, but Alissa agreed, knowing it was their best chance to take Sebastian down. As they prepared, Jenna equipped her with the necessary gear, her demeanour a mix of professional detachment and genuine concern for their safety.

A few hours later, under the cover of darkness, Alissa approached Sebastian's hideout, a rundown warehouse on the edge of the industrial district. Riley and Jenna watched from a surveillance van parked nearby, the tension inside palpable.

"Remember," Jenna said into the microphone, her voice steady. "Stay calm and stick to the plan. We're right here with you."

Alissa nodded, taking a deep breath before slipping through the shadows toward the entrance. She knocked in the familiar pattern, and the door creaked open, revealing a hulking figure who grunted and let her in.

Riley's heart pounded as he watched the feed from Alissa's hidden camera, the dimly lit interior of the warehouse coming into view. She walked with purpose, her eyes scanning for Sebastian. Moments later, she found him—leaning against a table, surrounded by his cronies, the very picture of smug confidence.

"Alissa," Sebastian said, his voice dripping with false warmth. "What brings you back?"

"I need help," Alissa replied, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides. "The cops are after me. I had to get out of my place. Thought you might have a job for me."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across his face. "Is that so?"

"Yeah," Alissa said, forcing a casual shrug. "I figured you'd have something. I'm desperate, man."

Sebastian studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. But if you screw up, it's on you."

Riley held his breath as Alissa nodded and moved deeper into the warehouse, giving the police a clear view of Sebastian's operation. Jenna's voice crackled in Alissa's ear, guiding her through the process, ensuring they had all the evidence they needed.

Finally, Jenna gave the signal. "We're moving in. Get out now."

Alissa made her excuses and slipped back toward the entrance, her heart racing as she felt the weight of every second. Just as she reached the door, the sound of sirens filled the air, and the warehouse exploded into chaos.

Police stormed the building, weapons drawn, shouting commands. Sebastian's men scrambled, but it was too late. They were quickly subdued, and Sebastian himself was caught, his face a mask of fury and betrayal as he was led away in handcuffs.

Alissa stumbled out of the warehouse, gasping for breath as she saw Jenna and Riley rushing toward her. "You did it," Jenna said, patting her on the shoulder. "It's over."

Riley threw his arms around Alissa, relief flooding through him. "We did it," he whispered. "It's finally over."

As the dawn broke over Rue Saint Dominique, the three of them stood together, knowing that while the fight had been hard, they had triumphed. Alissa had taken the first step toward redemption, and their community could begin to heal. And for Riley, the knowledge that they had made a difference was all the reward she needed.