Legacy of the Dark

Chapter 3: Into the Shadows

Nate moved swiftly and silently through the hidden underground tunnels of the city, paths known only to those who truly understood its secrets. These tunnels were part of the old network he had once used to evade detection, and though he hadn’t used them in years, Nate remembered every turn. This was the advantage of a dark past: knowing places that even the police or street criminals were unaware of.

After gathering information from Artie, Nate knew he had to act quickly. Time was not on his side; every passing second only gave the hired guns more chance to close in. With The Collector’s identity still a mystery, Nate decided to return to the roots of the city’s underworld that he once controlled.

His first stop was a hidden bar that only accessible through the underground tunnels. This bar had once been a meeting place for high-level criminals, those who wanted to stay out of the public eye. Even though Nate had left that world behind, he knew such places still existed, perhaps even more dangerous than before.

After winding through several damp corridors, Nate arrived at a weathered iron door. He knocked in a pattern known only to those permitted entry. After a few seconds, a small peephole in the door opened, revealing a pair of scrutinizing eyes.

“Who?” came a gruff voice from behind the door.

“Shadow,” Nate replied coolly, using his old name that once made him notorious throughout the underworld.

The eyes behind the door narrowed for a moment before the door creaked open. Nate stepped into the dimly lit bar, where the only illumination came from flickering yellow lamps casting shadows in every corner of the room.

The bar was filled with faces Nate knew well. Faces of people he had either met before or enemies he had fought in bloody confrontations. They all turned to look as he entered, some with shocked expressions, others with concealed fear. Nate walked toward the bartender at the far end of the room, a burly man with scars on his face, signifying that he had seen many fights.

“Long time no see,” the man greeted in a low, deep voice. “Heard you’ve retired.”

Nate nodded slightly, keeping his eyes fixed on the bartender. “I need information.”

The bartender, known as Big Joe, nodded and without further questions, began preparing a drink for Nate. After pouring it, he slid the glass across the bar. “Everyone here knows that information is a valuable commodity, Shadow. And you know the price for it.”

Nate took the glass, sipping the drink while keeping his gaze on Big Joe. “I’ve got money. A lot. But this time, I want more than just general information. I need something actionable.”

Big Joe smiled thinly, showing a row of yellowed teeth. “You’re looking for The Collector, aren’t you? Everyone’s talking about him lately. But who he is, where he is, that’s still a mystery.”

“Then you know something,” Nate replied coldly. “I need more than just rumors.”

Big Joe rubbed his rough chin. “There’s a place in this city that might have what you’re looking for. A place where people like us gather to bet, play, or just lay low. An underground casino not widely known. They say The Collector sometimes shows up there, but he never stays long.”

Nate stared at Big Joe with a sharp gaze. “Where is it?”

Big Joe nodded. “In the old harbor district. You’ll need to enter through the back door of a dilapidated warehouse. Be careful, it’s heavily guarded. Many who enter never come out.”

Nate nodded once more and placed money on the counter. “This is for your information. If I don’t come back, you can keep the rest.”

Big Joe accepted the money without a word, though there was a flicker of worry in his eyes that was rarely seen. Even in the underworld, there was a sense that Nate was now dealing with a fire far bigger than he had ever faced before.

Nate left the bar without a backward glance, his steps once again light and silent. He knew that many eyes were on him, and perhaps someone was tailing him as he left. But he was not concerned. His focus now was singular: finding The Collector and ending this threat before it escalated further.

He reached the harbor district after several hours. It felt like a ghost town, with crumbling buildings and desolate docks. Nate moved cautiously, making sure he was not seen before he found the warehouse mentioned. From the outside, the building looked old and neglected, but Nate knew appearances could be deceiving.

He found the back door as described by Big Joe. It looked like an ordinary wooden door, but Nate knew it was reinforced steel, designed to withstand assaults from outside. Taking a steady breath, Nate knocked on the door three times, as instructed. After a moment, the door opened slightly, revealing a large man with sharp eyes.

The man said nothing, merely regarded Nate with a calculating look. Nate remained silent, letting his presence speak for itself. Finally, the man nodded and opened the door wider, allowing Nate inside.

Inside, Nate found himself in a lavishly decorated large room. The sounds of clinking coins and low laughter echoed throughout, creating a stark contrast to the quiet outside world. The patrons here were people of wealth and dark power, those who never appeared in public places.

Nate knew he had to be cautious. He was no longer part of this world, but tonight, he had to delve back into it, becoming a part of the darkness once more to find his answers.

He scanned the room with a gaze as sharp as the guards at the door. In this place, every movement, every word could be fatal. But Nate was undaunted. He was ready to face whatever awaited him here, including The Collector who might be closer than he imagined.

Amidst the opulence and noise, Nate felt an odd sensation, a premonition that things were not as they seemed. Everyone in the room appeared too calm, as if they were all waiting for something—or someone.

As Nate continued to navigate the room, a striking woman in a red dress approached him. Her smile was thin and meaningful. “Mr. Archer, we’ve been expecting you.”

Nate halted, his eyes narrowing at the woman. “Who are you? And how do you know my name?”

The woman only smiled wider. “You’ll find out soon enough. The Collector has something special planned for you.”

At that moment, Nate realized that the trap was more elaborate than he had anticipated. He wasn’t just searching for The Collector. The Collector had been waiting for him.

***