The Spectral Agent - Chapter 6 - Text

A new lead pulls Viktor into a forgotten corner of the city

The Spectral Agent is published as an audiobook (and text), chapter by chapter, as a SubStack Podcast. Start at Chapter 1 or find where you left off.

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The Spectral Agent - Chapter 6

I left the cafe with Kira’s words spiraling in my head. They had smiled when I hugged them goodbye, but their expression carried the weight of their own burdens. I envied how easily they said who they were. Even now, after everything, the idea of exposing my truth felt like peeling my skin off.

When I got to my apartment, I reached up to insert the earring. A trickle of blood fell as I forced it into the still-raw hole.

I already knew this was going to turn into a big habit. I hadn’t expected much when I touched it, just the usual snarky remarks or a half-formed suggestion. But today, Chai materialized in front of me, his full apparition clearer than ever before.

“Finally, man. There’s something I need to show you,” he said, his usual grin softened.

“What now?” I asked, still holding onto the earring like it was a headphone.

“A hideout." He sounded so very pleased with himself. "The gang used to run stuff out of there. Weapons, cash, info–whatever they needed.”

I leaned back against the door I just walked through, crossing my arms. “And you’re just telling me this now?”