Enigmatic Affairs

CHAPTER THREE

RADEN
NOW

I leaned against the cool metal of the filing cabinet, heart pounding in sync with the ticking clock on the wall. The station buzzed with the usual chaos—officers bustling about, phones ringing, the scent of stale coffee hanging in the air—but I focused only on my mission.

Annie's plan was simple, almost reckless, but it was the kind of wild she thrived on. We'd agreed she would create a distraction while I snuck in to grab the file. I could only hope she had enough of a flair for drama to keep the officers' attention on her and off me.

"Just act natural," she had said, a grin spreading across her face as she tossed her imaginary long hair over her shoulder, confidence radiating off her like sunlight. "I'll do the rest."

I chuckled at the memory. Natural wasn't exactly Annie's style, but she had a way of diving headfirst into chaos and making it look effortless.

As I scanned the cramped room, I couldn't help but admire her determination. She was fierce, unyielding, and maybe a little reckless.

"Raden!" A voice snapped me back to reality. I turned to see Officer Grant approaching, a frown etched across his face. "What are you doing here?"

"Just, uh, looking for some paperwork," I replied, feigning innocence as I straightened up. "You know how it is—always need to keep things organized."

He raised an eyebrow, skepticism dripping from his tone. "You don't work here."

"Yeah, but I've got a friend who does," I shot back, hoping my casual demeanor would buy me some time. "Just trying to help out, you know?"

Grant narrowed his eyes, but I could see the gears turning in his mind. He glanced around, likely searching for a reason to kick me out, and I felt my heart race. I had to stay cool, calm, collected.

"Fine, but don't touch anything," he warned, crossing his arms. "I'll be watching you."

"Sure thing, Officer Grant," I replied, forcing a grin as he walked away, still skeptical but clearly too busy with his own responsibilities to keep an eye on me.

As soon as he turned the corner, I took a deep breath, refocusing on the task at hand. The file I needed was in the restricted area—accessible only to the higher-ups.

My pulse quickened at the thought, but I reminded myself why I was doing this: to help Annie uncover the truth about her father.

I slipped around the corner, staying low and silent, scanning for any sign of trouble. My thoughts drifted to Annie and the plan we had concocted. I could already envision her, causing a scene to draw the officers' attention.

She was good at that, turning heads and captivating the room.

And that's when I'd strike—while the chaos unfolded, I'd slip into the back office and find the file. The one that held the key to everything we were searching for.

The hum of the station faded as I focused on my objective. I could do this. We could do this.

──── ★ ────
ANNIE
NOW

Running from the police isn't as easy as I try to convince myself it is.

The thrill hit me first, sharp and electric, like the surge of adrenaline I craved. I heard the alarm go off behind me, just as planned. My heart was pounding, but not from fear—this was fun. I darted past the desks in the station, slipping through the narrow corridors like I owned the place.