Page 26 of A Love Bite

“Hey, Alex,” my boss says, his voice serious. “I need you to take on an assignment right away. There’s been a spike in crime on the southside, and we need someone to investigate.”

My heart skips a beat. The southside is where Luna’s Moon is located.

“What kind of crime are we talking about?” I ask.

“Assaults, mostly,” he explains. “Lately, things seem to be escalating. We need to get to the bottom of this before it gets worse, especially since the police seem content to ignore far too many things. There haven’t been any arrests. Why is that, hmm?”

I nod, even though he can’t see me. Does he know about Opal? Because that happened on the southside too.

“Got it,” I say. “I’ll head over there and start digging around.”

“Be careful, Alex,” he warns. “This sounds like it could get dangerous. Keep your wits about you.”

“Always,” I reply, my mind already racing with thoughts of how to approach this. “I’ll keep you updated.”

As I hang up, I can’t help but think about how this ties into everything that’s happened recently. Opal’s abduction, the attacks, and now this sudden spike in crime. There’s definitely a connection here, and I’m determined to find out what it is.

I grab my bag and make sure I have my notepad, recorder, and other essentials. I text Jake to let him know I need to head to the southside a bit earlier than planned.

Hey, Jake, got an assignment to investigate some crime in the southside. I’ll be around Luna’s Moon before our date. See you tonight!

As I head out, I think about how everything seems to be converging in one place. The southside has always had its rough spots, but this feels different. More calculated. More dangerous.

When I arrive in the southside, I start by talking to a few locals, trying to get a sense of what’s been happening. Most people are hesitant to talk, but a few mention hearing about the recent attacks and the growing tension between rival groups, although when I try to get more information about the groups, they clam up and won’t tell me anything.

I make my way to Luna’s Moon, hoping to find Jake. He might have some insights or at least be able to point me in the right direction. As I approach the bar, the familiar sight of the neon sign brings a strange mix of comfort and apprehension.

Stepping inside, I see that it’s not as crowded as usual. The atmosphere is tense, and I can tell people are on edge.

I spot Jake near the bar, and he looks up, his face lighting up when he sees me.

“Alex,” he says, coming over. “I got your text. What’s going on?”

I explain the assignment, and his expression grows serious. “This isn’t just a random spike in crime, is it? It’s connected to everything that’s been happening.”

“I think so,” I reply. “There’s definitely something bigger at play here.”

Jake nods, glancing around to make sure no one’s listening. “We need to be careful. Things are getting more dangerous, and I don’t want you caught in the middle of it.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assure him. “But I need to find out what’s going on. Do you have any leads?”

He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “There’s been a lot of tension between some local groups. I don’t have all the details, but it seems like things are boiling over. People are scared, and that’s making it worse.”

I take mental notes, trying to piece everything together. “Do you know where these groups are operating from? Or why things are escalating now?”

Jake shakes his head. “Not specifically, but there’s definitely a push for control, and it’s making the whole area unstable. Everyone’s watching their backs.”

I nod, absorbing the information. “Thanks, Jake. This is helpful. I’ll keep digging, but I need to be careful.”

“You should,” he says, his concern evident. “This isn’t just another story. It’s dangerous out there.”

“I know,” I reply, appreciating his worry, “but I have to do my job.”

He sighs, then gives me a small smile. “Just promise me you’ll stay safe.”

“I promise,” I say, feeling a warmth spread through me at his concern. “And we’ll still have our date tonight.”

“Absolutely,” he says, his smile growing. “I’m looking forward to it.”