Chapter 11 The Person Called "Hecate"?

The leader of the guys in black was a mess, bruised all over, but he kept his mouth shut, not saying a word.

"It's pointless," Harper stopped me, sounding pretty defeated. "These guys are trained pros. Their willpower is off the charts. Regular interrogation won't cut it."

I turned to Harper, "So, what now? Just let them walk?"

Harper didn't answer right away. She walked over, squatted in front of the leader, and said, "Who sent you? If you don't talk, you'll face the consequences."

The leader sneered, spat out some blood, and said, "You think you can make me talk? Keep dreaming!"

Harper didn't react. She stood up, grabbed a voice recorder from her bag, turned it on, and placed it in front of him. "I'm Harper, a psychological profiler for the police. You know what that means, right?"

The leader's face changed for a second but then went back to being calm. He sneered, "A profiler? Big deal. You think I'm scared?"

Harper ignored him, walked right up, squatted down, and locked eyes with him.

Her usually hidden eyes were now sharp, like they could see right through him.

"I bet the people behind you promised a big payout if you kept quiet, enough to take care of your family forever, and they'd move them somewhere safe, right?"

The leader stiffened, his eyes flickering. Harper had nailed it, hitting his deepest hopes.

He bit his lip, his Adam's apple bobbing, but he stayed silent.

Harper didn't push. She just sighed, "But have you thought about what happens to your family if you die? Do you really think they'll keep their promise?"

She paused, then added, "If you die, you're just a dead pawn to them. Who's gonna remember your loyalty? Who's gonna care about your family?"

The leader went quiet, head down, fists clenched, his body trembling. Harper's words cut deep, forcing him to face reality.

Harper's voice softened, almost like she was talking to a kid. "Tell me, who sent you? If you help us, I can guarantee your safety and a stable life for your family."

The leader looked up, staring hard at Harper, trying to read her.

His cracked lips moved, "Are you for real?"

"I swear on my honor," Harper said, her gaze steady, no hesitation.

The leader of the guys in black finally started to relax. He took a deep breath, like he was making a big decision. After a moment of hesitation, he finally managed to say, "It was someone called 'Hecate'."

"Hecate?" My heart skipped a beat. Why did that name ring a bell?

I racked my brain, and then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I didn't want to think about it because the idea was just too terrifying.

"Who is Hecate?" I demanded, my voice tight with apprehension. "Why is he after me?"

The leader shook his head. "I don't know. All I know is he's loaded and powerful. We're just in it for the money. That's all I got."

"That's all you got?" I was fuming.

"James, chill!" Harper pulled me back and turned to the leader. "I hope you're not lying to us, or else..."

She didn't finish, but the threat was clear as day.

The leader shivered and quickly said, "I swear, that's all I know!"

Now wasn't the time to lose it. We needed to figure out who Hecate really was and why he wanted me dead.

"Hecate," I muttered. The name felt like a weight on my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Aiden's death, Mia's death, and those men in black chasing us—it all seemed like part of a bigger plot, with Hecate at the center.

After the case wrapped up, I felt completely drained, like I had no energy left for anything.

Seeing me like this, Isabella suggested we go hiking at Mount Serenity to unwind.

At first, I wasn't into it, but seeing the hopeful look in Isabella's eyes, I finally caved.

Harper wanted to come too, saying she needed some nature to relax.

The day we set off was perfect, with bright sunshine and clear skies.

We took my car, chatting and laughing all the way to Mount Serenity.

Isabella was like a happy little bird, chattering non-stop, while Harper was quieter, occasionally chiming in, still thinking about the case.

When we got to the foot of Mount Serenity, we started hiking up the trail. Isabella and I were in light sportswear with simple backpacks, while Harper showed up in an elegant dress, high heels, and a big suitcase, looking more like she was heading to a gala than a hike.

"Are you sure you're dressed for hiking, Ms. Anderson?" I teased, raising an eyebrow at her attire. "Those heels don't look very suitable for a mountain trail."

Harper rolled her eyes at me and snapped, "Mind your own business! I'll have you know I'm perfectly capable of hiking in whatever I choose!"

I shrugged and kept climbing.

The trail was rugged and steep, and the higher we went, the tougher it got. Harper soon started complaining. Her high heels made it even harder, and she wobbled and nearly stumbled a few times.

"I should've worn sneakers," Harper said, out of breath and full of regret.

"Too late for that now," I chuckled. "Better change into sneakers quick, or you're gonna fall."

Harper glared at me, but reluctantly nodded and pulled out a pair of sneakers from her suitcase to change into.