JULIA

The night air hung heavy with a tense stillness as I approached my home. The key dangled from my fingers, ready to unlock the door that separated me from the quiet safety within my own home. I had no idea that this ordinary act, the mundane click of a key turning in a lock, would transform into a moment that wpuld stay with me for the rest of my life.

As I bent over to insert the key into the lock, an unsettling disturbance rippled through the air. A sudden, deafening noise sounded out, causing me to momentarily freeze. At first, I didn't understand what would make such a noise at this time of night. Then, all at once the realization hit me like ashockwave – a gunshot had disrupted the stillness around me. Panic gripped me, an electric jolt coursing through my veins. The truth slammed into me like an oncoming train – a bullet had just torn through the door, mere inches from where my head had been only moments before.

I froze, the key slipping from my trembling fingers as the panic pressed against my chest. The air seemed to thicken with the sharp scent of gunfire, and every instinct screamed at me to run.

Without a second thought, I bolted to the side, seeking refuge in the narrow gap between my home and the adjacent building. The echo of gunshots continued, the sound ricocheting through the narrow alley. Fear clung to me, suffocating everything but my will to live, my breaths shallow and rapid as I pressed myself against the cold brick wall.

My mind raced, trying to make sense of the chaos. Who would want me dead? Why had I become a target? Questions swirled in my mind, but there was no time for answers. Survival became my singular focus.

As I sprinted through the dimly lit alley, the regular rhythm of gunfire chased me like a relentlessly. Fear, raw and unbridled, fueled my frantic steps. The shadows seemed to stretch and contort, amplifying this already ominous night.

A screech of tires echoed ahead, and a car skidded to an abrupt halt, blocking my path. A stranger's voice cut through the chaos. "Get in! Now!"

Distrust and fear gripped me, hesitation stopping me in my tracks. I scanned the stranger's face, trying to discern any threat in the dim glow of the streetlamp. "Who are you?" I demanded, my voice shaky yet defiant.

He leaned across the passenger seat, his features partially illuminated. "Alonzo sent me. Get in if you want to live!"

Alonzo.

I was about to ask how he knew I was in trouble then I remembered he said he'd be watching my every move and all confusion cleared. The devil you knew was better than the angel you didn't.

Reluctantly, fueled by the instinct for survival, I darted towards the waiting car, the metal of the door handle was shockingly cold as I pulled it open.

As I slid into the seat, the stranger peeled away from the danger-laden alley, leaving the cacophony of gunshots in our wake. The car became somewhat of a haven at that point, the muted throb of the engine a stark contrast to the chaos I had narrowly escaped.

I turned to the man, still struggling to catch my breath. "Who was that? Why were they shooting at me? How long have you been outside my apartment?" I fired questions in rapid succession as I glanced back to see if anyone was following us.

It was all clear but it did nothing to calm my racing heart.

The man's eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his expression unreadable. "Lady would you please shut up and let me concentrate?"

“Where are you taking me?”

I was met with silence and I knew the man was done talking.

My mind raced to piece together the fragments of information. Alonzo, the enigmatic, psychotic, dangerous man from my recent abduction, now extending an improbable lifeline. The rules of this game I found myself in became more obscure with each passing moment.

As the car sped through the city's labyrinthine streets I focused on taking deep calming breaths and reminding myself that I was out of danger. At least for now.

The car glided to a halt in front of an imposing mansion, its grandeur a stark contrast to the bland boring houses I was used to. The driver ushered me inside, and I tried to inject some life into my steps to show that I wasn't as scared as I felt.

In a dimly lit room adorned with ornate furniture, Alonzo reclined with an air of stoic composure, a crystal glass of what looked like bourbon in his hand. His eyes, sharp and calculating, met mine as I entered. The underling whispered the details of the perilous encounter, and Alonzo's expression tightened involuntarily. Reluctantly, he nodded, signaling for him to leave.

As he left Raymond walked in silently and took his place beside his boss.

"So, I hear there was an attempt on your life," Alonzo remarked, his gaze going to the drink he was swirling in his hand.

I hesitated for a moment. "Yes, it happened as I was entering my apartment. If I hadn't bent over to pick up my key, I..." The unspoken reality hung in the air – a fraction of a second, the thin line between life and death.

Alonzo's eyes flickered with a hint of intrigue, momentarily breaking away from the glass. "You're fortunate you escaped. But it raises questions. Why would someone target you? What do you know?"

I chose my words carefully, as I was aware that this man was the only thing standing between me anf certain death. One wrong word and he'd have me sent back home and right into the waiting gun of whoever was after me. "I don't know anything, Alonzo. I swear.”

The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension as Alonzo's stern gaze held mine. "You can stay, but this changes nothing," he declared, his tone devoid of warmth. The weight of his words hung in the air, a lingering reminder of my precarious position. “You will get me the flash drive and honor your end of the deal.”

He didn't even wait for a reply before turning to Raymond.

"Ensure she has a room downstairs. I can't have her wandering around my house," Alonzo instructed, his authority cutting through every word. 

Raymond, ever the capable enforcer, nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood, boss. I'll take care of it."

Raymond motioned for me to follow him, leading me through the intricate corridors of Alonzo's mansion. 

Alonzo's words repeated in my mind, a reminder that this refuge I had found was only temporary. 

I was led to a small room, the lavish exterior of the mansion contrasting sharply with the modesty of my new quarters. 

As the door to the small room downstairs closed behind me, I found myself alone with no idea what comes next.