The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 10: Shadows Closing In

The days following Adam's meeting with Karen Price passed in a tense blur. Every creak of his apartment building, every unfamiliar face on the street, set his nerves on edge. Jared Mercer was searching for the source of the leak, and Adam knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down.

He spent his nights digging deeper into the files he had copied, piecing together the full scope of Jared's operation. What he uncovered was staggering—Jared wasn't just involved in petty crime or local rackets. His network spanned multiple states, with connections to high-level players in the underworld.

It was almost too much for Adam to wrap his head around. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the screen in disbelief. "How did I end up in the middle of this?"

The system's familiar glow appeared, as if in response to his unspoken question.

Adam straightened. If Jared was coming for him, it was time to be proactive.

The system's answer was both reassuring and unsettling:

Adam nodded grimly. He had already taken some precautions, but he needed to do more. He spent the next few hours scrubbing his online presence, deleting old accounts, and setting up a burner phone for any essential communication.

---

The next morning, Adam decided to check in on Karen's progress. He logged into the encrypted email account he had created for their correspondence. Her response was waiting, and it was brief but to the point:

"I've started compiling the story. The evidence is explosive. Expect publication in three days. Stay safe."

Adam's heart raced. Three days. If the article went live, Jared's entire operation could crumble. But those three days also meant Jared had a narrow window to retaliate—and Adam had to be ready.

---

That afternoon, Adam took a walk through the city, his hood pulled up and his eyes scanning the streets for anything suspicious. The crisp autumn air carried a hint of rain, and the bustling crowds offered a strange sense of anonymity.

He turned into a quiet alleyway to take a shortcut home when a sudden voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Well, if it isn't the nosy kid."

Adam spun around, his pulse spiking. Two men stepped out from the shadows, their expressions cold and predatory. One was tall and lanky, with a wiry build, while the other was shorter but stocky, his fists clenched like he was ready for a fight.

Adam's mind raced. He recognized them—henchmen of Jared's, though he had only seen their faces in the files.

"Look," Adam said, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "I don't want any trouble."

The taller man smirked. "Too late for that. You've been sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Jared sent us to... have a chat."

The shorter man cracked his knuckles. "And maybe break a few things."

Adam's heart pounded. He needed to think fast.

The system's response appeared instantly, bold and commanding:

Adam's eyes darted to the fire escape mentioned by the system. It was a few feet away, the metal ladder partially obscured by a dumpster.

He shifted his weight, pretending to back away in fear. "Alright, alright. Let's talk this out."

The men stepped closer, their confidence making them careless. Adam grabbed a loose trash can lid and hurled it at their feet, the loud clang startling them just enough for him to make a break for the fire escape.

He leapt onto the dumpster, scrambling up the ladder as the men shouted and gave chase. The metal rungs rattled under his weight, but he climbed quickly, adrenaline fueling his movements.

"Get back here!" one of the men yelled, their footsteps echoing below.

Adam reached the rooftop, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He darted across the gravelly surface, searching for another escape route. A narrow alley stretched out below, and a series of connected rooftops offered a precarious path forward.

The men reached the rooftop seconds later, their expressions livid. Adam didn't wait to see what they would do next. He jumped to the next roof, barely making the gap, and kept running.

---

By the time Adam reached the safety of his apartment, his legs felt like jelly and his lungs burned. He locked the door behind him, sinking to the floor.

Adam exhaled shakily, the system's message offering some relief. But the close call had rattled him. Jared's reach was longer than he had anticipated, and the danger was becoming increasingly personal.

---

That evening, as Adam sat at his desk, he realized he couldn't just keep running. He needed to strike back, to take control of the situation before Jared's men found him again.

"System," he said softly, his voice tinged with determination. "Help me end this."

The glowing text appeared, bold and unwavering:

Adam's resolve hardened. He wasn't just fighting to protect himself anymore. He was fighting to take Jared down for good.