Freya's POV
Mack Ben glanced back at me through the rearview mirror before stepping out to open my door.
He crouched down beside the car, his voice gentle and cautious. "Want to get some fresh air? The sun feels good today."
The weather was perfect along Larwynn Avenue. Despite the breeze, the warmth of the afternoon sun was inviting.
I nodded, letting him help me out of the vehicle.
We settled against the hood, facing the endless stretch of river. The sunlight felt therapeutic against my skin. After several minutes of comfortable silence, Mack turned toward me with concern etched across his features.
"Better now?"
"Yeah." The single word came out steadier than I felt.
"Your father became ill while incarcerated?"
"I only learned about it yesterday." The pieces finally clicked into place, explaining why Cecilia Felix had left my office so smugly the day before. She had orchestrated this entire situation.
Mack paused, weighing his next words carefully. "What's your plan?"
