Through the Dark

The Trap Is Set

Back at Louis's flat, the air was thick with tension. Harry and Louis sat across from each other in the living room, their minds racing with the implications of the plan they had just set in motion. Liam's words echoed in Harry's mind-stay low, keep your heads down, and be ready to move quickly if things go wrong. It was a tall order, especially considering the pressure they were under.

Louis broke the silence first, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "We're going to need to be smart about this, Haz. Every move we make has to be calculated. We can't afford any mistakes."

Harry nodded, his hands nervously twisting the hem of his shirt. "I know. I just... I don't want to mess this up. If I slip up, if the fixer catches on-"

"He won't," Louis interrupted firmly. "We're going to make sure of that."

Harry looked at Louis, seeing the steely determination in his eyes. It was something that had always drawn Harry to him-Louis's unwavering belief in the people he cared about. Even now, when they were walking a razor's edge, Louis had complete faith in their ability to come out on top.

"So, what's our next move?" Harry asked, trying to focus on the practicalities of the situation.

Louis thought for a moment, his gaze fixed on the floor as he considered their options. "First, we need to figure out what kind of false information we're going to feed the fixer. It has to be something believable, something that would get his attention but won't raise any red flags."

Harry bit his lip, thinking. "What if we make him think I'm targeting someone who's actually dangerous? Someone who could be a threat to him if they knew he was trying to dig up dirt on them?"

Louis's eyes lit up with interest. "That could work. If he thinks you're getting information on someone who could blow his operation wide open, he might back off, at least long enough for us to figure out our next move."

"But who?" Harry asked, the question hanging in the air between them. They needed someone who fit the bill-someone with enough power and connections to make the fixer think twice about crossing them.

Louis leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "There's a guy who's been making waves lately in the business world. Name's Marcus Harrington. He's a ruthless corporate shark, and from what I've heard, he's not afraid to get his hands dirty. If the fixer thought you were cozying up to him, it might make him nervous."

Harry considered it, the idea settling in his mind. "I've heard of him. He's always in the tabloids for some scandal or another. It wouldn't be hard to make it look like I've gotten close to him."

Louis nodded, liking the idea more by the second. "Exactly. We can plant some breadcrumbs-maybe get someone to see you with him, or spread a rumor that you've been spending time together. It doesn't have to be true, just enough to make the fixer think twice about pushing you too hard."

Harry's mind was already working on the logistics. "I could make a few appearances at the places he's known to frequent. I'd just need to be seen in the right circles. It's risky, but if we're careful, it could work."

"It's risky, but it's a calculated risk," Louis agreed. "And if it works, it might give us the breathing room we need."

Harry took a deep breath, feeling a bit more confident now that they had a plan. "Alright, let's do it. I'll start tomorrow."

Louis stood up, walking over to Harry and resting a hand on his shoulder. "We're going to get through this, Haz. You're not alone in this."

Harry looked up at Louis, gratitude swelling in his chest. "I know. Thank you, Lou."

Louis squeezed his shoulder before letting go. "You're not going to thank me when I tell you the next part of the plan."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"You're not going anywhere without me. If we're going to set this trap, we're doing it together," Louis said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Harry opened his mouth to protest but then closed it again, realizing it was pointless. Louis was right-he couldn't do this alone, and having Louis by his side would make everything easier to handle.

"Okay," Harry agreed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Together."

---

The next evening, Harry and Louis found themselves at one of London's most exclusive nightclubs, a place where the rich and powerful came to see and be seen. It was the kind of place where Harry could easily be noticed if he played his cards right. And it was the perfect setting to put their plan into motion.

Louis had pulled some strings to get them on the guest list, making sure they were in the right circles for their ruse. They entered the club with the easy confidence of people who belonged there, even though Harry felt anything but confident.

The club was a sensory overload-flashing lights, thumping bass, and the hum of conversation filling the air. Harry stuck close to Louis, his nerves on edge as they navigated the crowd. They had a mission, and Harry couldn't afford to lose focus.

"There he is," Louis murmured in Harry's ear, nodding subtly toward a group of men near the bar. In the center was Marcus Harrington, looking every bit the part of a corporate predator in his tailored suit and expensive watch. He was holding court, surrounded by sycophants eager to bask in his wealth and power.

Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Here we go."

They moved closer to the bar, positioning themselves within earshot of Harrington's group. Harry caught the eye of a few people, offering them a polite smile, just enough to be noticed without drawing too much attention.

Louis kept a close watch, his eyes scanning the room for anyone who might recognize Harry or be connected to the fixer. They were walking a fine line, and Louis wasn't about to let anything slip through the cracks.

As they ordered drinks, Harry made sure to catch the attention of one of the men in Harrington's group, a man who looked like he was in his mid-thirties, with slicked-back hair and an expensive-looking suit. Harry gave him a small, knowing smile, just enough to suggest familiarity. The man raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and Harry knew he'd taken the bait.

Louis noticed the exchange and leaned in closer to Harry. "Nice move. Keep it up."

Harry nodded, taking a sip of his drink to steady his nerves. He could feel the man's eyes on him, watching him with a mix of curiosity and interest. Harry didn't need to do much more-just being seen in the right place, with the right people, was enough to start the rumors they needed.

They spent the next hour mingling, making sure to be seen by the right people, while staying just out of reach. It was a delicate dance, one that required precision and subtlety, but Harry was beginning to feel more confident with each passing moment.

As the night wore on, they finally made their exit, slipping out of the club before anyone could get too close. The air outside was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the heat and noise of the club. Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

"You did great in there," Louis said as they walked down the street, away from the club. "I think we've planted enough seeds to get the fixer's attention."

Harry nodded, feeling a mix of pride and exhaustion. "I hope so. Now we just have to wait and see if it works."

Louis wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders, pulling him close as they walked. "It will. We've got this, Haz. We're one step ahead now."

Harry leaned into Louis's embrace, drawing strength from his presence. The night had been a success, but the game they were playing was far from over. The fixer was a dangerous man, and they were taking a huge risk by trying to outmaneuver him. But Harry knew he couldn't back down, not now.

As they walked through the quiet streets of London, Harry felt a flicker of hope. They had set the trap, and now all they could do was wait for the fixer to take the bait. It was a dangerous gamble, but it was one they were willing to take-because they were in this together, and together, they could face anything.