The Lead

I leaned in closer to Marcus, my eyes locked on his as he continued to speak in a hushed tone. "What do you know about their operations?" I asked, my pen poised over my notebook. Marcus hesitated, glancing around the café nervously before responding. "I don't know much, but I've heard they're using a network of hidden warehouses and secret transportation routes to move their goods. They're also using a complex system of codes and encrypted messages to communicate with each other." I scribbled down some notes, my mind racing with possibilities. This was exactly the kind of information I needed to get closer to the trading company. "Do you know where their main operation is based?" I asked, looking up at Marcus. He shook his head. "I don't know, but I've heard rumors that they're connected to a dragon site somewhere in Europe. I've also heard that they're working with some of the dragon handlers and breeders to get their hands on rare and exotic magical creatures." My eyes widened as I processed this information. A dragon site? That was a lead I couldn't ignore. I made a mental note to look into dragon sites in Europe and see if I could find any connections to the trading company. Marcus stood up, his eyes darting towards the door. "I have to go," he said. "I'm taking a big risk by talking to you. Be careful, Lena. These people are not to be underestimated." I nodded, thanking him for his information. As he quickly exited the café, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. I had a lead, and I was determined to follow it. I finished my drink, gathering my thoughts and planning my next move. I would need to do some research on dragon sites in Europe, see if I could find any connections to the trading company. I also needed to be careful, as Marcus had warned me. The trading company was not to be underestimated, and I didn't want to blow my cover. As I left the café, I pulled out my phone and sent a quick message to Elara, updating her on my progress. I then apparated back to my small flat, where I began to dig through my research on dragon sites. After a few hours of searching, I found a potential lead. There was a dragon site in Romania, known for its rare and exotic breeds. I made a mental note to look into it further, see if I could find any connections to the trading company. As I continued to research, I heard a knock at the door. It was a delivery from the Ministry, a package containing a set of travel documents and a one-way ticket to Romania. I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. It seemed my lead was about to take me on a journey to Romania, and potentially into the heart of the trading company's operation. I packed my bags, preparing for my trip. As I left my flat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness. What would I find in Romania? Would I be able to uncover the truth about the trading company? And what lay ahead for me on this journey? The unknown was daunting, but I was ready for whatever came next. I was Lena Grant, undercover agent and investigator, and I was on the hunt for the truth.