Deadly Affairs

Chapter 8

Vivian sat in her car, watching the rain trickle down the windshield as if washing away the remnants of her nerve. Her meeting with Pierce had left her more unsettled than she wanted to admit. Pierce's calm, calculating words replayed in her mind, each sentence a reminder of just how dangerous this path would be.

But she wasn't about to back down. As terrifying as Pierce was, Vivian knew she was onto something big, something that might finally bring the truth to light.

Her next stop was a contact she hadn't spoken to in years—a journalist named Paul Summers. Paul had once been a brilliant investigative reporter, a man who'd dug deep into political scandals and corporate corruption. But after an exposé on a powerful crime ring went sideways, he'd lost his job, his reputation, and eventually, his resolve. Now, he was freelancing, taking on stories no one else would touch, chasing ghosts for pennies on the dollar.

An Old Ally

Vivian found Paul in a dimly lit diner at the edge of the city. He looked older, his hair now streaked with gray and his face lined with years of battles fought and lost. He nodded at her as she slid into the booth across from him.

"Vivian Chase," he said, his voice rough but warm. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

"Didn't think I'd need to call you again," Vivian replied with a slight smile. "But I'm looking into something that might interest you."

Paul leaned forward, his eyes sharp with curiosity. "I've heard a rumor that you're after Black Lotus."

Vivian's stomach dropped. "How do you know about that?"

Paul smirked, though there was no humor in it. "I still have my sources, Vivian. And you're not the only one looking into them. But I'll warn you—they're powerful, and they don't take kindly to people prying into their affairs."

"Tell me something I don't know," Vivian said, crossing her arms. "Do you have any leads? Anything I can use?"

Paul glanced around, lowering his voice. "There's a name you should look into. Victor Delgado. He's a high-profile investor with connections to every major political player in the city. I've seen his name tied to Black Lotus a few times, though nothing concrete. He's careful, covers his tracks well, but he's a part of the inner circle, I'm certain of it."

Vivian frowned, mentally filing away the name. "Where can I find him?"

Paul shrugged. "He keeps a low profile, but he's known to attend exclusive charity galas, high-end events. He's untouchable in a public space, but it might be your only shot to get close."

Vivian nodded, the wheels turning in her mind. She was already forming a plan, though she knew it would be risky. "Thanks, Paul. I owe you one."

Paul waved a hand dismissively. "Just be careful. I've seen good people get swallowed up trying to take down Black Lotus. They're like a hydra—cut off one head, and two more grow back."

Vivian gave him a grateful smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

As she left the diner, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something even darker. Victor Delgado was her next step, but she had no illusions about what it would take to get close to him.

A Fragile Connection

That night, Vivian sat at her desk, gathering information on Delgado and planning her approach. She'd spent hours combing through records, finding threads that connected him to various powerful figures in the city, but it was Liam who kept slipping into her mind. She wondered if he knew about Delgado, if he was part of the reason Liam had warned her to back off.

Unable to ignore the gnawing questions any longer, she picked up her phone and dialed him. He answered on the second ring.

"Vivian," he said, his voice quiet, almost wary. "I was wondering if you'd call."

She hesitated, unsure of what to say. "I need to know something, Liam. How deep are you in this? With Black Lotus, with Pierce... with Delgado."

The silence on the other end stretched, heavy and tense. Finally, he spoke. "Vivian, you don't understand. There are things at play here that you can't see. If you keep pushing, they'll come for you."

"They already have," she replied sharply. "And I'm still standing. So tell me the truth, Liam. Are you in this with them?"

Liam's voice was barely a whisper. "I never wanted you to get involved, Vivian. I tried to protect you, but you don't listen, do you?"

Vivian felt a surge of anger. "Protect me? By keeping me in the dark? You're either with them or against them, Liam. There's no middle ground."

Another long pause, and then he spoke, his voice tinged with regret. "If I tell you what I know, it won't end well. For either of us."

"Then let me decide what's best for me," Vivian said, her voice softer. "I just need to know that you're not lying to me."

There was a quiet vulnerability in Liam's voice when he finally responded. "I'm not lying. But I'm also not free to tell you everything. Just... promise me you'll be careful."

Vivian's throat tightened, a mixture of frustration and something else—something she wasn't ready to acknowledge. "I'll be fine, Liam. I'm not stopping until I find out the truth."

They ended the call, and Vivian sat alone, feeling the weight of her decision settle over her. Liam's warnings echoed in her mind, but her resolve was stronger than ever. She would see this through, no matter the cost.

The Gala

Two nights later, Vivian found herself outside the Sterling Foundation Gala, a black-tie event held in a gleaming skyscraper overlooking the city. She'd managed to secure an invitation through a friend in the mayor's office, and now she stood among the city's elite, her heart pounding as she scanned the crowd for Victor Delgado.

It didn't take long to spot him. Delgado was tall and broad-shouldered, his silver hair slicked back and his smile all charm and calculation. He moved through the crowd with the ease of someone used to power, exchanging greetings and handshakes with people who seemed both intimidated and eager to please.

Vivian waited until he was alone, standing by the bar with a glass of scotch in hand. She approached, her expression calm and confident.

"Mr. Delgado?" she asked, giving him a polite smile. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Delgado turned to her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And you are?"

"Vivian Chase. I've heard a lot about you." She extended her hand, watching his reaction closely.

He studied her for a moment, then took her hand, his grip firm. "Vivian Chase, the detective. I've heard about you, too. You're quite... persistent, aren't you?"

She allowed herself a small smile. "I just have a habit of finding the truth, no matter where it leads."

Delgado chuckled, though there was no humor in his eyes. "Is that so? Well, some truths are better left buried. You might want to consider that before you dig too deep."

"Is that a warning?" she asked, keeping her tone light.

Delgado's smile didn't reach his eyes. "A piece of advice, Ms. Chase. You seem like someone with a bright future. Don't waste it on things you can't change."

Vivian felt a chill run down her spine. "Thanks for the advice, Mr. Delgado. But I think I'll make my own decisions."

Delgado watched her for a moment, then inclined his head. "Suit yourself. But remember—curiosity killed the cat."

With that, he walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Vivian exhaled, her mind racing. Delgado had made his stance clear, but she wasn't about to back down. She had come too far to be intimidated now.