Code of Shadows

Chapter 4 - The Chase

The morning sun was just beginning to rise as I ran through the streets, my breath coming in quick, sharp bursts. My heart was still racing from the encounter with Ethan Hunt. The name IMF buzzed in my head like a swarm of angry bees. I needed to get away, to put distance between myself and the man who claimed to know everything about my past.

I knew the city like the back of my hand. I'd spent months here,

learning every nook and cranny, every back alley and side street. I could lose him. I was sure of it. I just needed to keep moving, to stay one step ahead.

But no matter where I turned, no matter how fast I ran, I could feel him behind me, closing in. He was relentless, like a shadow that I couldn't shake. I ducked into a narrow alley, my feet skidding on the wet pavement. I could hear his footsteps now, steady and unhurried. He wasn't even running. He knew he would catch me.

I reached the end of the alley, cursing under my breath as I saw the high brick wall blocking my path. Dead end. I spun around, my eyes scanning for another way out, but it was too late. Ethan was already there, standing at the entrance to the alley, his eyes locked on mine.

"Alex, wait," he said, holding up his hands. "I'm not here to hurt you."

I backed away, my hands clenching into fists. "Stay back!" I shouted, my voice echoing off the walls. "I don't know who you are, or what you want, but I'm not going anywhere with you."

Ethan took a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "I know you don't trust me. I don't expect you to. But I need you to listen. The people who killed your parents—they're still out there. And they're coming for you."

My breath caught in my throat, my mind racing. How did he know? How could he possibly know? "Why should I believe you?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"Because I was there," he said, his voice softening. "I was on the mission that brought them into this. Your parents weren't just random targets, Alex. They were part of something much bigger, something that could change everything."

I felt a surge of anger, my hands trembling. "You were there? You were involved in their deaths?" I took a step forward, my voice rising. "Why didn't you save them? Why didn't you do anything?"

"I tried," Ethan said, his voice filled with regret. "But it was too late. I've been trying to find out who was behind it ever since. That's why I need your help. You're the key to finding them, to stopping them."

I stared at him, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. I wanted to believe him, to trust him, but every instinct screamed at me to run. I couldn't trust anyone. Not after what happened. But if what he said was true, if he really knew who was responsible, then I couldn't just walk away. I needed answers. I needed revenge.

I took a deep breath, my mind made up. "Okay," I said, my voice steady. "I'll listen. But I'm not promising anything."

Ethan nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That's all I ask. Come with me. I'll explain everything."

I hesitated for a moment, then followed him, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know if I could trust him, but I knew one thing for sure. My past wasn't going to let me go. Not without a fight.

We walked through the city, the streets quiet in the early morning light. I stayed a few steps behind him, my eyes constantly scanning for threats. I didn't like being out in the open, didn't like the feeling of being exposed. But Ethan moved with a calm confidence, as if he had nothing to fear. It grated on my nerves, his ease, his assurance. He acted like he was in control, like he knew exactly what he was doing.

"Where are we going?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"There's a safe house a few blocks from here," he said without turning around. "We'll be safe there."

I snorted, the sound harsh in the still air. "Safe? From who?"

He glanced back at me, his eyes serious. "From the people who want you dead. From the people who killed your parents."

I swallowed hard, the words hitting me like a punch to the gut. I wanted to ask more, to demand answers, but I bit my tongue. I would get my answers. I just needed to be patient. I followed him in silence, my mind racing.

We reached the safe house, a nondescript building tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. He led me inside, the door clicking shut behind us. The interior was sparse, almost sterile, with only a few pieces of furniture. It felt cold, unwelcoming. I didn't like it. I didn't like any of this.

Ethan motioned for me to sit, but I remained standing, my arms crossed over my chest. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know this is a lot to take in, Alex. But I need you to trust me."

"Why?" I asked, my voice sharp. "Why should I trust you?"

He looked at me, his eyes earnest. "Because we're on the same side. We want the same thing. To find the truth. To make those responsible pay."

I felt a flicker of doubt, a crack in my resolve. I wanted to believe him, to trust him. But trust was a luxury I couldn't afford. Not now. Not ever.

I turned away, my jaw clenched. "You say you know who killed my parents. Prove it."

He nodded, his expression serious. "I will. But first, we need to lay low. Gather information. The people we're dealing with—they're powerful, connected. We can't just charge in blind."

I hated it, the waiting, the uncertainty. But he was right. I couldn't rush this. I needed to be smart, to be careful. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.

"Fine," I said, my voice tight. "But if I find out you're lying, if you betray me—I'll kill you myself."

Ethan nodded, a grim smile on his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

I nodded back, a sense of resolve settling over me. I didn't know what the future held, but I knew one thing. I was ready to find out. I was ready to face my past, no matter where it led.

And I was ready to trust Ethan Hunt.

For now.