Chapter 7
Navigating the Undercurrents
Viktor guides Anya through the complex web of the smuggling operation, revealing hidden routes, coded communications, and key players. They must move carefully, using their combined knowledge to gather more substantial evidence.
The flickering neon sign of the late-night café cast long, distorted shadows across Viktor’s face as he stirred his lukewarm coffee, the spoon clinking a mournful rhythm against the ceramic. Anya sat opposite him, the worn tabletop a stark contrast to the vibrant, intricate patterns of her scarf, a splash of colour against the cafe’s muted tones. The air was thick with the scent of stale cigarettes and something vaguely sweet, a cloying perfume that did little to mask the tension humming between them.
“So,” Viktor began, his voice a low rumble, “you want to know about the ‘Baltic Cipher.’ Not its real name, of course. Nothing in Darius’s world is ever called what it is.” He took a slow sip, his eyes scanning the nearly empty room as if expecting an unwelcome guest to materialize from the shadows.
Anya leaned forward, her heart thrumming a nervous beat against her ribs. “You said you knew about the items. The spheres, the monitor, the card…”
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