Jasmine's POV
The ocean breeze was softer than usual that evening. The sun was slipping behind the skyline, painting the horizon in deep amber streaks, and the smell of salt and roasted corn floated across the Crestfall Boardwalk. It should've felt peaceful… families laughing, vendors calling out prices, couples walking hand in hand… but peace had a short shelf life in my world.
I adjusted my jacket and scanned the crowd until I spotted Leonard near a food stand, waving a paper cup of coffee like a flag.
"You're late." he said when I reached him.
"You're early." I replied, managing a faint smile.
"Old habits. Cops hate waiting."
"I wasn't planning to make you wait." I said, glancing around. "I had to make sure I wasn't being followed."
He nodded once, eyes narrowing as he handed me the coffee. "You look tired."
"I'm fine."
"You always say that when you're not."
