Rain tapped softly and steadily on the windshield as Connie sat in the back seat of the parked sedan, eyes narrowed through the glass. The man her contact had found stood across the street under the buzzing glow of a flickering streetlamp.
He was tall — taller than she expected. Broad shoulders under a faded hoodie, jeans stained at the knees. He stood like someone used to fighting, used to watching his back. A cigarette burned between his fingers, untouched for minutes now.
She leaned forward, squinting. Was this really the same Sticks the file mentioned? One of Aiden's few known associates from the boys' home?
He didn't look like a kid who'd once called himself that. He looked… dangerous now. Hardened by the city, like most of them. But something about him felt different. Alert. Sharp.
Her burner phone buzzed on the seat beside her.
She grabbed it, flicked it open.
"Yeah?"
"That's him," said her guy on the ground. "Confirmed it with an old social worker who recognized a photo. James 'Sticks' Wyatt. He's been clean for a couple of years. Real quiet life now. But I followed him for two days. He's still got that edge. Still watching corners."
She let the silence stretch. "Has he ever mentioned Shade?"
"Not directly. But he's got a burner he keeps locked. And he checks payphones. Like he's expecting someone."
She stared at the man again. Still hadn't moved.
"Good. Stay close, but don't spook him. I'll take it from here."
She hung up.
Then the other phone rang.
Her lips tightened.
She didn't want to answer it.
But she did.
"Progress?" said the clipped voice on the other end. No greeting. Just that sharp, cold tone.
Connie swallowed. "I found a thread. One of Aiden's old connections."
"You said that last time."
"This one's different. Quiet type. Doesn't advertise. But he's hiding something."
"Then pull it out of him."
"I need time. He's not stupid."
"Then don't play smart. Play fast. You're burning daylight, and he's out there somewhere."
The line cut before she could answer.
She gritted her teeth. Looked back at Sticks.
He hadn't moved.
But for a split second, his head tilted toward her car.
Just enough to let her know: he knew he was being watched.
Her heart thumped once, hard.
If this was her lead to Aiden… she'd have to tread carefully.
Because this man wasn't some lost boy from the past.
This was someone who knew how to survive. And maybe worse, someone loyal.