Chapter 4: The Shadow in the Night

The darkness outside seemed to swallow the Welcome Arms whole, as if it had been waiting for Billy Bones' departure to strike. Sol's eyes scanned the room, her mind racing with questions. Where had Billy gone? Who had taken him? And what did they want with them? Jim's face was grim as he stepped into the room, his eyes locked on the dagger and the note. "This looks like a warning," he said, his voice low and serious. "Whoever took Billy wants us to know they're coming." Sol's gaze fell on the window, now open to the night air. She could see the faint outline of trees swaying in the wind, but nothing that suggested Billy's presence. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that Billy could be anywhere, in the hands of who-knew-what. Without a word, Sol and Jim sprang into action. They quickly searched the room, but there was no sign of Billy or any clue to his whereabouts. Sol's mind was racing with possibilities, but she knew they had to focus on getting out of there, and fast. As they made their way downstairs, Sol couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced around the room, but the patrons seemed oblivious to the danger lurking outside. The fire crackled and spat, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Sol's eyes met Jim's, and she knew they were thinking the same thing. They had to get out of there, and fast. "We need to leave," she whispered urgently. Jim nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "Now." As they made their way to the door, Sol noticed a figure standing in the shadows near the bar. It was a woman, her face pale and her eyes sunken. Sol didn't recognize her, but there was something about the woman's gaze that sent a shiver down her spine. The woman stepped forward, her eyes locked on Sol's. "You're making a mistake," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You shouldn't leave." Sol's instincts screamed at her to trust no one, but there was something about the woman's words that resonated deep within her. She hesitated, her hand on the door handle. "What do you know?" Sol asked, her voice firm. The woman's gaze flickered to Jim, and then back to Sol. "I know that Billy Bones is in grave danger. And if you leave now, you'll be walking right into their trap." Sol's heart skipped a beat as she processed the woman's words. Who was she, and what did she know about Billy's disappearance? And what did she mean by "their trap"? The woman's eyes seemed to bore into Sol's soul, as if searching for something. "My name is Aria," she said, her voice low and mysterious. "I've been watching Billy Bones for weeks. I know he's in danger, and I know you are too." Sol's mind was racing with questions, but she knew she had to make a decision. She could trust Aria, or she could try to make it on her own. But something about Aria's words resonated deep within her. "Tell us more," Sol said, her voice firm. Aria's gaze flickered to Jim, and then back to Sol. "I can help you," she said. "But we have to get out of here, now." Sol's instincts screamed at her to trust no one, but something about Aria's words seemed genuine. She glanced at Jim, and saw that he was watching Aria with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. As they stood there, frozen in indecision, the sound of creaking trees and distant footsteps echoed through the night air. It was a sound that sent a chill down Sol's spine, a sound that told her that they were running out of time. With a deep breath, Sol made her decision. "Let's go," she said, pushing open the door and stepping into the unknown. Aria fell into step beside them, her eyes scanning the darkness as if searching for something. As they disappeared into the night, the Welcome Arms seemed to loom behind them, its warm glow and welcoming atmosphere a distant memory. The darkness closed in around them, a living, breathing entity that seemed to pulse with malevolent life. Sol's heart was pounding in her chest, but she knew she had made the right decision. They were in this together, now, and they would have to face whatever dangers lay ahead, side by side.