The Missing Link

030. Truths Be Told

After nearly an hour, Andrea Mercado stepped into the building, her white shirt neatly tucked into ripped jeans. A black bag swung at her side, gripped firmly in her right hand.

Raine lounged in her usual chair facing the kitchen, her gaze idly drifting over the room. Across from her, Zane sat at the dining table, typing into his grey laptop while the rain outside continued to flow.

A sharp knock sounded at the door-one quick rap followed by two more after a brief pause. Raine pulled it open to find Mrs. Nuñez standing on the threshold.

"Someone's looking for you downstairs," Mrs. Nuñez said.

"Is it the same woman who came before? The one you let in because she claimed to be a client?" Raine asked, her brow arched.

Mrs. Nuñez nodded. "It is. But I didn't let her in this time-just like you asked."

"In that case, thank you, Auntie," Raine replied with a small smile, her tone softening.

Mrs. Nuñez shrugged, her kind smile lingering. "Alright then, what should I do now? Common room?" she asked.

"There might be people listening in. Are both common rooms occupied?" Raine inquired.

"The one next to your usual entrance was empty last I checked," Mrs. Nuñez replied thoughtfully. "The bingo boys usually take over at night."

Raine glanced at Zane before nodding. "We'll use that room, then."

"Got it, dear. I'll let her know to head to the second door," Mrs. Nuñez said with a warm smile. Without another word, she turned down the hallway, took a right at the staircase, and disappeared downstairs.

Mrs. Nuñez opened the door and gestured to the young woman, who nodded and followed without hesitation.

The three gathered in the second common room near Apartment No. 222. The room's two long sofas faced each other along the walls, but they chose the empty four-seat wooden table set at the center. A brief silence settled over them as their eyes wandered to the golden Christmas lights, their warm glow reflecting off the leafy garlands draped over the staircase railing.

"Why?" Andrea asked, her voice cutting through the quiet.

"Why what?" Raine replied, turning her gaze towards her.

"Why bring me here?" Andrea pressed.

Raine feigned innocence, crossing one leg over the other with a casual air. "Oh, that. Last time you barged in here, I asked you to tell us the truth. Care to answer now?"

Andrea's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself, sitting straighter as she faced them. "Pardon me. I thought I already answered that," she said evenly.

"Not quite, I'm afraid," Raine replied. "Yes, we told you about Zane's two jobs and the cases we handle."

"And I told you the truth," Andrea countered smoothly. "The truth is that I want to join your crew. And here I am now-finally accepted."

Raine's gaze remained fixed on her, scanning her carefully, as though dissecting every detail. Zane, however, stayed silent, masking his disappointment. The sting of Andrea's indifference toward him mingled with the chaos of recent events still replaying in his mind.

"Ah," Andrea said suddenly, leaning forward with a sly smile. "I see now. This must be my initiation."

"Not an initiation, Ms. Mercado. In fact, there was no club acceptance or alliance to speak of," Raine said, her tone sharp yet composed. "I simply want you to tell me the truth."