CHAPTER THREE - DEVIL'S DEN

 Isaac and Silas were close to the hideout. The air was heavier than before with scents of old gasoline and Sulphur wafting in and out of the city's alleyways. Silas assured Isaac the alleys were the safest way to get around, but Isaac couldn’t help but feel as if they were being watched this whole time. “Almost there mate. Stay close, I haven't been back here in a bit. Not sure what's in store” Silas nervously whispered. Isaacs adrenaline was gone. Whatever was there he was ready, for better or for worse. They emerged from the alley into a side road, shadow filled and identical to the rest. Isaac questioned Silas on how he was able to navigate this tangled city. “Been here a while. Once you know you don’t forget” Silas said slyly while tapping his head. “Let's cut the chatter. We’re here.” Isaac was so intent on surveillance he hadn't noticed they approached a building. It was built of black brick and sunken deeper than the other buildings on the block. Above the heavy wooden doors was an old sign with the words “Devil’s Den” carved into it. Silas rapped his knuckles against one of the doors twice and whispered two words. “Creations Crux”. He backed up and waited with anticipation. No more than a minute passed before the door slowly swung open. In the doorway stood a hulking man, dressed in a heavy jacket with his face completely wrapped in bandages. “Aaah. How are ya now mate?’ Silas chuckled. The man groaned. “I thought ya dead ya fucking dolt.” The man looked both ways before looking directly at Isaac. “Who’s this?’ The man asked Silas, bewildered. “This here’s Isaac mate. Good fellow. He’s got some questions, and maybe he’ll be the one to help us. The man grunted with a nod. “I’m Wilhelm.” He said quietly. “Now get inside. Seems we have matters to discuss.” Isaac wondered about what Silas said. “Help them?” Isaac was lost. Far from home. If he needed to lend a hand to have his answers he would happily oblige. The crew made their way into the building. It was dimly lit but Isaac could tell that this was a bar. Old wood, and even older bottles nearly falling off of the shelves behind the bar itself. They settled themselves at a table in the middle of the room. “Not a bad place to hole up, eh?” Wilhelm said with a hearty chuckle. Isaac felt a drop of deep dread. He kept it to himself. “So, down to business. What’s your story mate?’ Wilhelm asked Isaac. “I was on a case at Cathedral Park.” Isaac explained. “Investigating the death of a man named Nicholas Avery... Wilhelm interrupted. “Ah. Nicholas. He was a fine lad.” Isaacs heart dropped. Filled with horror. “How could he have known?’ His mind was spinning. Wilhelm continued. “We don’t have Investigators here mate. No police, nothing. Unfortunately, your answer is an easy one. If you can fathom it.” Wilhelm said solemnly. “Try me.’ Isaac said. “Well mate, you’re not alive.” Wilhelm explained. Even stranger, I don’t think you're dead. That’s why you're the perfect person to help us.”