Joe and Hannah strolled down the quiet street under the dim glow of streetlights. Joe chuckled, glancing at her with mocking eyes. “So, be honest. Are you trying to kidnap me?” Hannah let out a laugh, playful and full of energy. “If I wanted to kidnap you, I’d do it with a lot more style. Ground style, you know?” “Mind sharing what you mean by ground style?” Hannah stared at Joe for a while and then suddenly took off running, with laughter ringing through the night. Joe was startled by this gesture as he watched her move in a zigzag manner, her hands sliding against the lamppost she walked past. Hey, where are you going?” John called out as he picked up his steps. He saw Hannah glance over her shoulder to catch a glimpse of him. “Keep up, Whitmore!” she called over her shoulder. Joe tried to keep up with her, their footsteps echoing down the empty street. Just as he was about to ask again where she was leading him, Hannah came to a halt, breathing heavily as they reached a
Joe’s mind was still a whirl of thoughts as he and Hannah continued to walk side by side down the sandy path, heading back the way they’d come. Just as he began to get lost in his thoughts again, Hannah’s voice broke the silence. “Look up,” she said. Joe noticed that her eyes turned to the sky, pointing to a cluster of stars. “Do you see that pattern over there?” Joe followed her gaze, spotting a group of stars that former “W” shape. “Yeah, what about it?” “That’s Cassiopeia,” she explained, her voice soft. If he weren’t standing close to her, he wouldn’t have bests a word. “According to the myth, she was a queen who bragged that she and her daughter were more beautiful than the sea nymphs. The gods punished her by placing her in the sky, but she’s upside down half the time.” Joe raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “So, she’s forced to sit in the sky forever, upside down half the time, just because she was confident?” Hannah laughed. “Well, I suppose that’s one way t
Joe’s gaze flickered from his watch to the office door; his impatience was increasing as he waited for Jeremy to bring in his unexpected guest. A soft knock finally interrupted the silence, and Joe straightened himself. “Come in,” he called out, wondering who would appear. As the door opened, Joe’s eyes widened in surprise. Standing before him was Lady Penelope. He immediately rose to his feet. “Lady Penelope,” Joe said with a shocked tone. “What are you doing here?” Lady Penelope gave him a gentle smile, though her eyes held a seriousness that Joe didn’t miss. “I have something important to discuss with you, Joe.” Joe glanced over at Jeremy, gesturing for him to leave. As the door clicked shut behind Jeremy, Joe turned back to her. “You could have just called, you know, or sent Timothy,” he said, forcing a lightness he didn’t quite feel. Lady Penelope shook her head. “This isn’t something that should be discussed over the phone.” She took a seat opposite him, her gaze pie
“Don’t tell me you believe him?” Joe leaned forward. He had had enough of Timothy’s lies and couldn’t bear to listen. Lady Penelope turned to look at Joe. “I’m sorry, but he won me over with his story.” At the sound of her words, Timothy smirked, and Joe shook his head continuously. “He’s lying,” Joe said with a bold tone. “Hannah and I are not an item neither are we counting the days to our anniversary.” “He’s only saying this because he’s shy, Mom,” Timothy said, and Joe rolled his eyes. “You don’t ever give up.” He said with a feral tone. “This isn’t about giving up. I’m just saying what I believe it’s true and know it’s true,” Timothy said, lifting his hands in defense. “And besides, I know you are going to admit that I’m right sooner or later.” “In your dreams,” Joe said, and Timothy was about to respond when Lady Penelope stood on their feet. “It’s time for me to head back to the estate for my afternoon nap.” She said with a voice that sounded like she was looking forw
Joe sat back in his bed, the letter from his father still clutched in his hand. He couldn’t believe what he just read and just had to read it again. "P.S. If ever my son is found, let him know there’s a letter addressed to him in my study, in the safe. The password to the safe is 9220. Please let him know about this. It’s very important." The words echoed in Joe’s mind, and a shiver ran down his spine. What could be so important? What was his father hiding or preparing for him? The questions multiplied in his head. He couldn’t wait any longer. He needed to find that letter. Without a second thought, Joe grabbed the letter and rushed out of his room. His steps quickened as he made his way down the corridor toward his father’s study. He had been in that room a hundred times before, but tonight, it felt different—charged with an energy he couldn’t explain. When Joe reached the study door, he pushed it open and scanned the room. His father’s desk sat in the middle of the room,
Joe shifted on the wooden bench in the park, his fingers brushing over the piece of paper his father had left behind. The sunlight filtered through the trees, flashing against Hannah, who sat cross-legged beside him. “So, what did you find in the safe?” Hannah asked, looking at him. Joe had been telling her about the letter Lady Penelope handed to him and how it led him to the safe. “Joe,” Hannah called out my name, and Joe peered at her. “I found a letter that said, if you’re reading this, it means I’m gone, and then some code attached to the bottom,” Joe said, breaking the silence. He moved the crumpled sheet in his hands after he said those words. “Let me see,” Hannah said, reaching for it. She unfolded the paper carefully and studied it. Joe leaned back, rubbing his temples. “I think my father wanted me to figure out something… but I don’t even know where to start.” Hannah’s brow furrowed as she examined the lines and symbols on the paper. “Then figure it out,” she sai
The figure that caught his eye moved closer, and at first, Joe thought of leaving before the person approached him, but something within him made him standstill. “You lost?” The man said in a bold voice. The man stopped moving forward. He stood a few feet away, his face partially hidden by a worn cap pulled low over his eyes. His posture was relaxed, but his voice had an edge that put Joe on alert. Joe forced a casual smile, trying to keep his nerves hidden. “Not really. Just… looking around. A friend told me about this place.” The man cocked his head, his expression skeptical. “A friend, huh? Did they also forget to tell you Sixth Square doesn’t come alive until midnight?” Joe blinked. “No, they didn’t mention that.” The man’s lips curled into a smirk. “Figures. Well, you’re wasting your time here now. Go home, and if you’re serious about being here, come back later.” Joe hesitated for a moment but nodded. “Alright. Thanks for the heads-up.” The man’s gaze lingered on Joe
“You know, I figured it would be quite easy for you to know the reason why I would be here,” Victor said. Joe's chest increased as he felt his frustration piling up. Victor hadn’t answered his question yet. Joe felt like he would lose his mind, if victor tried to avoid his question or ask him another question. Surprisingly, Victor didn’t say a word. He just stared blankly at Joe. "Answer my question, Victor. “ Joe said out of impatience. “Why are you here? And what’s really going on in this place?" Victor crossed his arms and leaned casually against a nearby wall, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Fine, fine, I will talk, but I enjoyed messing with you, though.” Joe shot him a glare, and Victor moved his head forward. “Okay, Why am I here? Easy. I sell drugs to rich people." Joe blinked, his brow furrowing. "This looks like more than a drug dealing sight.” Victor’s grin widened. "And you’re right, my dear friend. This is where the elite come to play. Not just rich peopl