ter

ra's

he recognized me. "Well, well. If it isn't the fearless r

ring the grease stains on the red vinyl sea

s need something big. What is it this time? Corrupt politician

d in an alley this morning. Police are investigating. He's either homeless o

body in an alley? That's not exactly front-page mate

too many cops, too much tension. They're keeping it quiet, and that te

es studying me. "And what makes yo

g forward. "You've got eyes and ears all over

ry. "You're not wrong. But information

helped without some kind of

at exposé you wrote on Councilman Greer last year? Cost me

"What kin

th a grin. "Just a little story suppression. There's a certain art

't do that. I don't kill sto

s for your good, kid. Fine. I'll give you a lead,

aid without

these days." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "The guy in the

secretive organizations in the city, rumored to be a hub for the rich and pow

, my voice steady despite the

ackstone Club is involved, you'd better watch your step. They d

le it," I s

one, I'll give you that. Just be careful, Aurora. This i

ind," I said, standi

his coffee. "Go get your story, kid. And remember-don

he Blackstone Club sent a chill down my spine, but it also lit a fire in my chest. This w

my phone and

hing good," she said as

eep my voice steady. "The victim might

ge, Aurora. But also risky as hell. Are

n a story by tomorrow morning, I'm out of a job. Bes

st promise me you'll be careful.

assured her. "I'll

eath and started walking. My next

m the outside, it looked like any other high-end establishment, but I knew better.

e was going to be a challenge. Members were vetted thoroughly, and s

least someone who could help me get in. After a few minutes of scrolling, I fo

ttered, diali

before a gruff voice

quickly. "I'm a journali

ong pause. "H

Blackstone Club,

harsh and skeptical.

ll pay you for your time.

ting in there isn't easy, and even if you do,

I get a membe

lly. "But if you're set on this, there's

ho

ar. "He's a big shot in the club-one of the top dogs. If anyone can get you in, i

him?" I asked, m

the club in the evenings. But trust me, yo

advice," I said,

lso sparked a sense of determination. If he was my way int

't take no f

.

pulled into a ban and the minute I opened my eyes I

order than

explanation for all this but he j

ument on the glass table that separ

ly and asked,

questions!"

our job and then you

eplied, "I'd pr

ore chance, dumpling. One m

leave and the door was opened