The Flash Drive

The freight train finally slowed near downtown Redwood around 1:12 AM.

Which meant three things.

One:

I was freezing.

Two:

Mia was still angry at me spiritually.

And three:

We now possessed evidence connected to an actual criminal operation.

So overall?

Mixed evening.

We climbed down beside an abandoned rail crossing while city lights reflected across wet streets.

The girl finally pulled down her hood.

“My name’s Zoe.”

Mia crossed her arms immediately.

“You could’ve started with that six near-death experiences ago.”

Zoe actually smiled slightly.

“Sorry.

I wasn’t sure I could trust you.”

I placed a hand dramatically against my chest.

“After the train jump?

That hurts emotionally.”

Aria snorted softly.

“You introduced yourself by breaking into warehouses.”

“Technically entering.”

“Jake.”

“Fine.

Illegal entering.”

We walked toward downtown while rain drifted through neon reflections across the pavement.

Zoe finally explained everything.

Blackthorne Logistics.

Hidden shipment records.

Missing containers.

And her brother Ethan — who disappeared after discovering the truth.

“That’s trafficking,” Aria said quietly.

“Yeah,” Zoe whispered.

Then my phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

Everybody froze.

I answered carefully.

“Hello?”

Static crackled softly.

Then a calm male voice said:

“You should’ve stayed out of this, Jake Morales.”

Every muscle in my body tightened instantly.

The voice continued:

“If you open that drive…”

A pause.

“…people die.”

The call disconnected.

Silence.

Mia stared at me.

“Okay.

That was deeply terrifying.”

Aria looked pale.

“They know your full name.”

I slowly lowered the phone.

And for the first time that night?

I stopped smiling completely.

Because suddenly this wasn’t just a mystery anymore.

This was personal.