Page 7 of Depraved

Idrummed my fingers impatiently on the steering wheel as we inched through the late morning traffic of San Diego. "Remind me again whyI'mthe one driving?" I grumbled, glaring at the sea of brake lights ahead.

"Because you're the only one who can weave through traffic like a maniac without getting us all killed." Alex tapped away on his tablet, eyes scanning rapidly over whatever intel was scrolling across the screen. "Take a right up here. The hotel should be two blocks down."

I jerked the wheel, cutting across three lanes of traffic to make the turn. Horns blared behind us as I smoothly accelerated down the side street.

"Jesus Christ," Sarge muttered from the backseat. "I think I left my stomach back there."

"Quit whining, old man. We're here."

I pulled up to the curb in front of a towering glass and steel structure. The Pendry San Diego loomed above us, its sleek modern facade gleaming in the California sunshine. Valetsin crisp uniforms darted back and forth, whisking away shiny luxury cars.

I stepped out of the car, squinting against the bright sunlight reflecting off the Pendry's glass front. The salty tang of ocean air mingled with exhaust fumes and the rich aroma of coffee wafted from a nearby cafe. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, their fronds casting dappled shadows on the sun-baked sidewalk.

"Alright, you three secure the hotel," I said, tossing the keys to Alex. "I'm heading to that cafe to see what I can dig up."

Sarge frowned, his brow furrowing. "You sure you don't want backup?"

I waved him off. "I’m not a fucking rookie."

Without waiting for a response, I strode off down the bustling sidewalk. The cafe was only a few blocks away, nestled between a high-end boutique and a sleek tech startup office. The sidewalks were crowded with a mix of suited professionals, beach-ready tourists, and laid-back locals on cruiser bikes.

The cafe itself was a trendy, industrial-chic space with exposed brick walls and polished concrete floors. Potted succulents dotted the rustic wooden tables, and the heady scent of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air. A chalkboard menu behind the counter boasted an array of artisanal blends and fancy espresso drinks.

I approached the barista, a petite woman with vibrant teal hair and an impressive array of tattoos snaking up her arms. Her name tag read ‘Skylar.’

"Welcome to The Grind! What can I get started for you?" she chirped, her voice bubbly and bright.

I leaned in, lowering my voice conspiratorially. "Actually, I was hoping you could help me with something else. I'm looking for a friend who I heard likes to hang out here. Tall guy, dirty blond hair, kind of a douche-y vibe? Goes by Gage?"

Skylar's smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of wariness crossing her features. "I'm sorry, but we don't really discuss our customers..."

I slid a folded hundred dollar bill across the counter. "Look, I'm not trying to cause trouble. He's an old friend, and I'm in town for a surprise visit. I just want to know if you've seen him around lately."

She hesitated, eyeing the money. After a moment, she palmed the bill and leaned in closer. "Yeah, I've seen him. He's been coming in pretty regularly for the past week or so. Always sits at that table in the corner." She nodded towards a secluded spot near the back, partially hidden by a large potted ficus.

"Has he been alone?" I pressed, keeping my tone casual.

"No, actually," Skylar said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "He's been meeting with this woman. Blonde, really pretty. They always sit at that same table and talk for hours."

My jaw clenched involuntarily. I forced a smile, trying to keep my tone light. "Oh yeah? What's she look like?"

Skylar's eyes lit up, clearly warming to the gossip. "She's gorgeous. Tall and slim, with long wavy hair. And she's got this scar on her left cheek—like a little crescent moon. Gives her a kind of mysterious vibe, you know?"

I nodded, filing away the details. The scar matched River's description. "Any idea what they talk about?"

She shrugged. "Can't really hear from behind the counter. But they always look pretty intense. Lots of leaning in close, speaking in low voices. Sometimes I see them passing papers back and forth."

Interesting. Definitely not just a casual hookup then.

"When was the last time you saw them?" I asked, sliding another bill across the counter.

Skylar's eyes widened at the second hundred. "Um, yesterday actually. They were here for a couple hours in the afternoon. Left together around 4pm."

"Thanks, you've been really helpful," I said, flashing her a smile. "One more thing—any chance I could take a look at your security footage from yesterday?"

Skylar's brow furrowed, but she hesitated for only a moment before glancing around the cafe. The place was buzzing with customers, so she leaned in closer. "Listen, I'm not supposed to do this, but I'll let you have a quick peek at the footage during my break for another two hundred. Gotta pay rent, so you caught me on a good day. Come back in an hour and use the backdoor. "Knock three times, then once more when I open the door."

Nodding my thanks, I left the cafe and made my way back to the car where Alex, Sarge, and River were waiting. "Well?" Alex asked, his foot tapping impatiently against the pavement.