A quarter of an hour dragged by as we headed further south of the downtown, keeping to the main streets of the city. By the time we neared our destination, I was more than ready to be ejected from the car.
Daniel scrutinized the area outside his window. “Ahrun had a taste for the finer things. I can’t imagine him in a place like this.”
“Did you expect him to check in to a five-star hotel?” I asked.
I could see it now. Our mummified skeletor walking into a hotel and politely inquiring about their best room, right before draining the concierge and guests.
“Am I wrong?” Daniel asked Liam.
The other man didn’t immediately answer as he stared out the window at the rundown neighborhoods we passed. More than one house looked abandoned, their windows boarded up. Chain link fences protected deserted lots overgrown with weeds. Squat buildings that looked as attractive as cement covered trolls sat on every corner.
“It’s a far cry from his former self,” Liam agreed in a soft voice.
“This could be a trap,” Daniel said.
“Unless you think Ahrun magically learned all the intricacies of modern technology in a few days, I think it’s safe to say he’s not using Connor’s phone to lure us into his den.”
“Maybe not him,” Eric said pensively.
We all looked at him.
“It’s in keeping with something Dominick would do. Use the thing we most desire to lead us to our deaths.”
See, this was why it was so important to pay attention when Eric spoke.
“And are we even certain Ahrun has Connor?” Daniel asked.
I watched the dot on the map that was Connor’s phone. “Yes.”
“How do you know?”
“I just do.”
The grumbly sound Daniel made in the back of his throat showed his disapproval.
“It doesn’t matter if Ahrun is on the other end of this or Dominick. We have to check out this lead regardless,” Liam said.
“I find the timing highly suspicious. At the same time as the challenge?” Daniel was like a dog with a bone. “It’s like they’re trying to divide and conquer.”
I patted Eric’s shoulder, pointing at a red and white diner on the left side of the street that looked like it had been in business for decades. The paint on the sign was slightly faded but in good enough shape that the diner must have been a popular place in the neighborhood. The lights inside said it was still open.
“That’s where we’re going,” I said.
“You think Ahrun is in a diner?” Daniel asked with skepticism.
“What do you think?”
“You’re the one who pointed and said ‘there.’”
I took a deep breath.Do not try to harm the enforcer no matter how stupid he is being. He will not like it and you will probably die.
“Look behind it, genius.”
I swear he was doing this on purpose.
He squinted. “I see nothing but trees.”
“It’s an abandoned building,” Eric said.
