Chapter 45: Open Hearts

                                    

                                          
Adeline.
After the slow dance, we strolled down to the beach behind the restaurant. The cool ocean breeze hit me, and I tried to play it cool despite my turtle neck top sans sleeves being utterly inadequate for the temperature. I mean, I wasn't shivering violently or anything (okay, maybe I was a little), but Eryx seemed to sense my chill.
Cue the classic rom-com move: he swooped in, draped his jacket over my shoulders, and saved me from certain hypothermia. I slipped my arms into the warm jacket, and we settled onto the shore, the sound of the waves and distant music from the restaurant creating a soothing melody.
As I gazed out at the ocean, I had to admit that the sound of the sea was both calming and unnerving. It's like my brain was having a debate: "Hey, water's great! We love beaches and waterfalls!" versus "Uh, aren't you, like, terrified of drowning?"
I turned to Eryx, shaking off my existential crisis. "So, how's work?" I asked, not expecting a detailed report or anything.
He nodded, smiling. "Good!"
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment before he turned to me with a mischievous glint in his eye. "No questions?"
I shrugged, playing it cool. "It's confidential, genius. I'm not a rookie who doesn't understand the concept of secrecy."
Eryx's eyes sparkled with amusement as he chuckled, the corners crinkling with his smile. After a brief pause, his expression turned serious. "You know what we're dealing with, right?" he asked, his voice low and somber. "Human trafficking... people of all ages, exploited for their organs."
I met his gaze, my eyes locked on his. He took a deep breath before continuing. "We've been investigating, and we finally found a lead. Atlas Vector, the COO of Grant's, is involved."
I nodded, my mind racing with the implications. Eryx's expression turned grim. "Grant's is linked to NeuroSphere Incorporated, a massive player in biotech and medical research. They're developing new medicines and procedures, but it seems they're also involved in something much darker... organ harvesting."
His words sent a shiver down my spine. I felt a surge of determination, knowing we had to expose the truth. 
I looked at Eryx, my eyes searching for answers. "So, they're the ones behind this?" I asked, and he nodded solemnly.
"But there's still a missing piece to the puzzle," he said, his expression serious. "We need to find the kingpin. Yesterday, we raided a warehouse on 15th Street, and what we found was horrifying."
He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "There was a shipment - a container with 12 people inside. Men, women, young, old... it was a nightmare."
I nodded, feeling a shiver run down my spine. "But they're safe now?" I asked, hoping for reassurance.
Eryx nodded, a small smile on his face. "They're safe."
He leaned in, a hint of a smile on his lips. "And guess who I was fighting that night?"
I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Who?"
"Vector," Eryx said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "The guy you saw me...ah...rearranging that night."
My eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, that was him? Is he still alive?" I asked, a hint of shock in my voice.
Eryx chuckled. "Yes, he's still breathing." 
I shook my head, still trying to wrap my brain around it all. "Good grief! I was actually trying to help that heartless guy who's been killing people for their organs!" I exclaimed, my voice laced with disgust.