Daniel locked his car and followed quickly, leaving the expensive vehicle behind on the curb. They pushed through crowds of pedestrians, past food trucks and busy storefronts, until Lucas suddenly turned into a narrow alley hidden between two tall office buildings.
The noise of the avenue disappeared instantly.
The alley smelled of damp concrete, garbage, and neglect. It was a world most people never noticed.
Lucas stopped beside a fragile shelter made from cardboard, plastic sheets, and scraps of wood.
“Here,” he said breathlessly. “She’s inside.”
Daniel stepped into the small, dim space.
On the floor lay a thin mattress.
And on it was a young woman.
Her name was Emily.
Even in the dim light Daniel could see how sick she was. Her skin looked pale and damp with sweat. Her body trembled beneath a worn blanket despite the warm air.
Her breathing came in strained, painful gasps.
Daniel knelt beside her and touched her forehead.
She was burning with fever.
Emily slowly opened her eyes, confused to see a stranger in a suit standing in her shelter. She tried to sit up but collapsed back against the mattress, coughing violently. A small stain of blood appeared on her hand.