The Informant’s Story

Jessica hesitated. The stranger’s words echoed in her mind. Because people disappear. She exchanged a glance with Leanna. The others were inside, debating logistics, but this—this felt different. More immediate. More real.

The man turned and walked down the street without looking back. Jessica’s feet moved before she could second-guess herself. Leanna followed close behind, her hand brushing against the knife concealed in her jacket.

They wove through the narrow alleys of the town, the scent of damp earth and wood smoke hanging in the air. The man finally stopped outside a small, run-down café, its sign faded and unreadable. He gestured for them to enter.

Inside, the café was dimly lit. A few locals sat hunched over their drinks, murmuring quietly. The stranger led them to a back booth, away from prying eyes.

"Call me Santiago," he said, sliding into the seat opposite them.

Jessica studied him. Weathered features, tired eyes. Someone who had seen too much.

"How do you know about Project Albatross?" she asked.

Santiago’s expression darkened. "Because I used to work for them."

Leanna stiffened. "And now you’re what? A whistleblower?"

"Something like that." He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Listen carefully. What you’re chasing, it’s bigger than you realize. Vanguard isn’t just experimenting. They’re refining. They aren’t just making test subjects. They’re making soldiers."

Jessica felt her breath hitch. "You’re saying—"

"They perfected the process," Santiago interrupted. "You? You were proof of concept. A prototype. The real work is happening now. Enhanced genetics. Augmented bodies. Completely obedient. And they’ll do whatever they’re told."

Leanna’s grip on her knife tightened. "Why tell us this now?"

Santiago exhaled slowly. "Because I know where they’re keeping the next phase of subjects. And if you want to stop this, you need to move fast."

Jessica’s hands clenched into fists. "Where?"

Santiago reached into his jacket and slid a folded piece of paper across the table. "Here. But be careful. You’re not the only ones looking for answers. And Vanguard doesn’t leave loose ends."

Jessica unfolded the paper. Coordinates. Their next destination.

******************************

Back at the guesthouse, the others were waiting. Kevin shot her a wary glance as she walked in. "Well? What did he say?"

Jessica set the paper down on the table. "He told us where to go next. But we need to be careful."

Hannah frowned. "More careful than we already are?"

Leanna’s voice was steady. "We’re running out of time. Vanguard is closer than we thought."

Olivia tapped her fingers against her laptop. "Then we don’t wait. We leave tomorrow."

Jessica took a deep breath, nodding. "Tomorrow it is."

She looked at the coordinates again, the weight of Santiago’s warning settling into her bones. They were stepping deeper into the unknown. And there was no turning back now.

******************************

Later that night, Jessica sat outside the guesthouse, staring up at the stars. The cold air bit at her skin, but she barely felt it. She was too lost in thought. She was too lost in him.

Leanna appeared beside her, hands stuffed into her jacket pockets. She didn’t say anything at first, just stood there, watching Jessica in silence.

"You’re not sleeping either?" Jessica muttered.

Leanna exhaled. "Not with the way you’ve been acting."

Jessica’s jaw tensed. "I’m fine."

"No, you’re not." Leanna sat beside her, studying her face. "It’s Ryan, isn’t it?"

Jessica swallowed hard. "He called."

Leanna’s expression softened. "And?"

Jessica clenched her fists. "He’s moved on. Found someone else. Said he still loves me, but can’t do this anymore."

Leanna let the words settle before speaking. "I’m sorry."

Jessica let out a bitter laugh. "Are you? You were the one telling me not to go back to him. Maybe you were right."

Leanna didn’t flinch. "That doesn’t mean I wanted you to get hurt."

Jessica looked away. "It shouldn’t matter. Not with everything else going on. But it does."

Leanna sighed. "You don’t just stop loving someone overnight."

Jessica was silent for a long time. Then, finally, she whispered, "I don’t know who I am without him."

Leanna shifted closer, her shoulder brushing Jessica’s. "Then maybe it’s time you figure that out."

******************************

Jessica didn’t remember falling asleep, but when she woke, the first thing she saw was Leanna, still sitting beside her on the porch, arms crossed, watching the sun rise.

"You stayed?" Jessica murmured, voice rough with sleep.

Leanna shrugged. "Didn’t feel right leaving you alone."

Jessica sat up, stretching stiff limbs. She wanted to say something, something meaningful, something to thank Leanna for always being there. But before she could, Kevin’s voice called from inside.

"Pack up, people! Time to move!"

Jessica inhaled deeply, steeling herself. It was time to go.