Orlando Florida

  Elvino “Pretty Boy” Pezzuti lounged back in his pool chair, the warm Florida sun glinting off the crystal clear water.

  An umbrella drink dangled lazily in his hand as he stared down at the phone screen, brows furrowed in concentration.

  A message from an unknown number had just come in, the digits burning into his memory.

  With a grin that didn’t quite reach his cold, calculating eyes, he dialed the number, anticipation coiling in his gut.

  The line clicked and a cautious, nasal voice answered, the sound of bustling city streets audible in the background.

  “This is Pretty Boy. What do you need?” Elvino purred, his arrogance dripping from every word.

  “Aye, boss. We got a funny situation here.” The voice belonged to Larry, one of Elvino’s most trusted underlings – a street-smart kid who had proven his worth time and again.

  The urgency in Larry’s tone made Elvino sit up straighter, the coolness of his drink forgotten as his grip tightened.

  “What’s so funny, Larry?” Elvino asked, all traces of amusement vanishing from his expression.

  “You know how you told me to keep an eye on that Vanessa chick?” Larry rushed out, the street noises muffling his words.

  Elvino’s attention snapped to the present, laser-focused.

  “Yeah, what’s going on with her?” he demanded, a dangerous edge to his voice. Vanessa was a delicate piece in his carefully constructed web of power and influence.

  Any disruption could unravel everything he’d worked so hard to build.

  "Bro, the broad is cheating on her husband. We a younger guy no less." Larry spoke with a mix of excitement and concern, the sounds of a distant car horn piercing the air.

  Elvino's grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white. "Who is he?" he growled, the smile on his face gone as quickly as it had appeared.

  A storm was brewing behind his eyes, his carefully cultivated facade of control slipping.

  "IDK, I followed her to some coffee shop. Some light brown black guy with curly hair and contacts." Larry's voice was shaking slightly, and Elvino could hear the nervousness in his tone.

  Elvino was confused for a moment before his mind connected the dots.

  "The fuck? Did you say 'light brown black guy with curly hair'?" His mind raced back to his past dealings with Leores and the unresolved tension that still lingered between them.

  "Yeah, he looks like a pretty boy with gold eye contacts. He seems almost too gay to be straight." Larry's voice was filled with confusion, and Elvino couldn't believe him.

  "Shit! He's talking about Leo, he must be on my ass... But for what?" Elvino muttered to himself, the ice in his drink rattling as his hand clenched.

  He took a deep breath and regained his composure, but the storm in his eyes had not yet passed. "Keep tabs on him, Larry. Don't get too close, but I want to know his every move."

  "You got it, boss," Larry said, sounding relieved that he didn't have to go into details about Leores' visit to the coffee shop.

  House Brew

  Meanwhile, Leores and Vanessa were in the middle of the coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of chatter creating a comforting atmosphere.

  Leores looked a little confused by Vanessa’s outfit, she was surprisingly dressed up for a casual coffee meeting.

  Her hair was done up in an elegant bun, and she wore a sleek, black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places.

  Her makeup was subtle, yet it highlighted her already stunning features.

  “Why are you so dressed up? Is that really necessary?” Leores inquired, his eyes sweeping over the room, taking in the relaxed attire of others with an air of casual authority.

  Vanessa took a sip of her latte, a slight tremor in her hand betraying the fluttering anxiety she felt.

  She couldn’t quite pinpoint the reason for her need to impress Leores, a man who seemed to command the very space around him with his presence.

  She had insisted to herself it was purely business, yet beneath the surface, something deeper churned.

  “Is it a little much?” Vanessa asked, her cheeks flushing a soft pink as her gaze flitted to her polished outfit. “I just wanted to look… professional.”

  Leores sighed, though not unkindly. “No, but what you’re wearing isn’t the point. I just need the play-by-play.” Leaning forward, his gaze locked onto hers, probing for any glimpse of the truth he was desperate to unearth.

  Vanessa inhaled deeply, setting her cup down with deliberate care.

  The weight of Leores’ directness pressed on her, a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation.

  She fiddled with the hem of her dress, her fingers brushing the textured tablecloth beneath.

  “Okay, so, what do you want to know?”

  Leores tapped his chin thoughtfully, gauging how best to extract the needed information without overwhelming Vanessa. “Does the name Elvino ring any bells? Did he ever mention anything about the dogs?”

  At the mention of Elvino, Vanessa’s eyes widened, a jolt of fear mixed with recognition. “Elvino Pezzuti? He’s the man who threatened me… How do you know him?”

  Leores’ expression remained impassive, a mask of calm over the turbulence roiling beneath. “Let’s just say we have a history. Did he mention anything about Clearwater College or the Alpha Sigma Omega fraternity?”

  Vanessa’s fingers tightened around her cup, a slight tremor betraying her unease.

  “No, not directly,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “But he did mention a new market and a big payday.”

  “Of course,” Leores muttered, his mind whirring with possibilities. “In predominantly white institutions, drug use is significantly higher. It’s a gold mine for expansion.”

  Vanessa tilted her head, curiosity mingling with confusion. “What does that mean?”

  Leores leaned back, the chair creaking softly under his weight as he processed the revelation. “It means Elvino is likely orchestrating the fraternity’s drug involvement, expanding his influence.”

  Unbeknownst to them, Larry, discreetly observing from a distance, swiftly typed a message to Elvino, alerting him to the conversation’s new direction.

  The reply came almost instantly, a silent ripple in the unfolding narrative.

  “So, he’s responsible for the high drug use and the college’s corruption,” Vanessa murmured, her eyes a storm of fear and anger, emotions churning beneath the surface like a tempest.

  “It seems that way, yeah. But for how long? That’s what I need to find out,” Leores replied, his mind a whirlwind of possibilities.

  The implications of Elvino’s involvement were vast and menacing.

  A thought struck him, nagging at the edges of his consciousness.

  “You’re married, right? Was it before or after… the rape?” he asked, his voice a blend of concern and an unintended edge of accusation.

  Vanessa’s gaze dropped to her drink, her fingers clutching the cup as if it were a lifeline.

  “After,” she whispered, her voice almost swallowed by the ambient hum of the café.

  “I’m surprised you can still trust a man at all after that. Is he good to you?” Leores inquired, his voice softening, probing gently but insistently.

  Vanessa flushed, caught off guard by the personal nature of the question.

  “Huh!? Why does he want to know that? It’s none of his business!” she thought, her mind racing.

  But she knew the stakes were high, and honesty was her only path to securing Leores’ help.

  “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to,” Leores interjected quickly, noting her tense posture. “It’s just out of curiosity.”

  Vanessa hesitated, then looked up, meeting his gaze head-on, searching for any sign of judgment.

  “He treats me very well,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “He doesn’t know about what happened. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him.”

  Her admission hung between them, a fragile truth exposed in the bustling world around them.

  Leores nodded, a silent understanding passing between them, as he contemplated the tangled web of secrets and survival that bound them together.

  Leores’ face remained stoic, but his eyes brimmed with empathy, reflecting a deep understanding of the burdens that secrets impose.

  “I understand,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm to Vanessa’s fears. “I knew someone who was raped too.”

  Vanessa’s eyes shot up, meeting his with surprise at his sudden vulnerability.

  “What happened to her?” she asked tentatively, her curiosity piqued and her empathy engaged.

  Leores took a deep breath, steadying himself before he spoke.

  “Her name was Elaras. She was raped by… multiple men,” he confessed, his voice laced with a quiet rage that seemed to thicken the very air in the coffee shop.

  Vanessa could feel the intensity of his anger, as tangible as the cup in her hand, and oddly, everyone in the café seemed to sense it too.

  The once lively chatter had dwindled to a mere whisper.

  Gently, she reached out, placing her hand over his, which was clenched tightly on the table.

  “It’s okay, Leores,” she said softly, her voice a gentle attempt to ease the tension surrounding them.

  As her words reached him, the storm within him began to calm, the atmosphere in the café shifting as if a heavy cloud had lifted to reveal the sun.

  Leores exhaled deeply, his eyes lingering on the spot where Vanessa’s hand had rested.

  “I’m sorry… I know I’m not a victim personally, but I’ve seen what it does to someone I care about,” Leores continued, his voice a blend of regret and steely determination.

  He took a sip of his coffee, the warmth anchoring him to the present moment.

  Vanessa nodded, empathy and understanding in her gaze. “It’s okay. I appreciate your concern for Elaras. But we can’t let our personal feelings cloud our judgment in this,” she asserted, her voice firm with resolve.

  “It did for me back then… and I made them pay,” Leores said, his voice carrying a chilling finality that sent shivers down Vanessa’s spine.

  She realized then that he wasn't just a student; he was a force of nature, marked by the darkness he had faced, and bearing the scars as a testament.

  “But… despite what happened to you, you were able to keep it together. You’re a very strong woman in my eyes,” Leores added, his voice softening, genuine admiration threading through his words.

  Vanessa felt a lump form in her throat. “Thank you, Leores,” she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

  No one had ever spoken to her about her past with such understanding and respect.

  Leores stood, the decision clear in his posture. “Well, I’ve got what I need to work with. You can go home now,” he said, attempting to keep his tone neutral, yet unable to fully mask the protective edge in his voice.

  Vanessa nodded, gratitude and a newfound respect for Leores filling her heart as she prepared to leave, her mind already turning to the steps they needed to take next.

  Vanessa glanced up at Leores, sensing the shift in his demeanor and feeling a strange reluctance to leave.

  She hadn’t felt this safe in a long time, and the prospect of returning to her empty home was suddenly daunting. “I don’t really want to go home yet,” she admitted softly.

  “Huh?” Leores looked at her, confusion lacing his features. “Why not? I pretty much have what I needed. Unless there’s something else you want to tell me?”

  Vanessa lowered her gaze to her half-empty latte cup. “No, it’s just… I don’t know. I feel comfortable having someone to talk to.” She took a shaky breath and met his eyes. “Could we… just hang out a little? Just a little bit longer?”

  Before Leores could respond, a sudden headache struck him, accompanied by an unsettling premonition.

  He quickly turned his attention to the window, surveying the street for any indication of danger.

  Vanessa was about to question him, but the abrupt change in his demeanor silenced her.

  Leores was on high alert, his eyes moving with a precision that suggested experience.

  “Stay here, I’ll be back,” he instructed abruptly, leaving money on the table for their drinks before heading out.

  Vanessa watched him leave, her heart pounding. Something was off; she could sense it.

  The once comforting café now felt ominous. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself while glancing around.

  The other patrons had resumed their conversations, oblivious to the tension that had followed Leores out the door.

  Outside, the sensation of being watched intensified for Leores. He scanned the street, noting every parked car and passerby.

  His eyes landed on Larry, lurking in the shadows, staring intently at the café window.

  A sense of purpose filled Leores’ steps as he approached the young man.

  Larry began to sweat, panic setting in. “Why is he walking directly to me!? He can’t possibly know who I am, right?” he thought, scanning for an escape route.

  Before Leores could close the distance, a gunshot rang out, the bullet striking the ground near his feet, shattering the street’s calm.

  Leores clicked his tongue in annoyance at the sound, his eyes darting to the direction of the shot.

  “It’s never that easy,” he muttered, frustration lacing his voice.

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  Larry took off, sprinting into a nearby alley. Leores was about to pursue him when another headache hit.

  Instinctively, he dashed towards a nearby girl, catching a second bullet before it could harm her.

  He stared at the bullet in his hand, shock and anger mingling on his face as the reality of the situation settled in.

  “Tsk! They’re targeting civilians to stop me from chasing him. How low,” Leores thought, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area.

  The wail of approaching sirens pierced the air, a warning call echoing through the chaos.

  The little girl looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, a stark contrast to the turmoil around them.

  “I can’t just leave; I have to engage the sniper before I go,” Leores resolved, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

  He gently placed the girl behind the café's wall, his gaze fixed on the rooftops.

  “They must not know I can see them on the roof, about 20 meters away, using a Barrett M82A1,” he calculated, his mind racing through tactics.

  He took a deep breath, senses heightened, as he listened to the panicked cries of the street.

  His eyes zeroed in on the glint of the sniper’s scope peeking from behind an air conditioning unit.

  The sniper watched Leores from above, a cocky smile playing on his lips.

  “You’re pretty good, Leo the Hollow. But my job is just to stall you,” he taunted, munching on a potato chip.

  Leores tore off a piece of a pointy fence, confusing the sniper, who was about to take another shot.

  With incredible force and precision, he hurled it, striking the sniper's shoulder and causing him to drop his rifle.

  “What the fuck!? How did he do that!? He sniped me with a piece of fence!” the sniper yelled, his voice echoing in pain and disbelief.

  In a flash, Leores was off, sprinting after Larry. “He couldn’t have gotten far. At best, he’s hiding,” he murmured, his eyes scanning the alleyways as he ran.

  He covered about 2,000 city blocks in just two minutes before he spotted Larry’s trembling figure, crouched behind a dumpster.

  Without hesitation, Leores kicked the dumpster aside, revealing Larry in a chaotic spray of rusty metal and rotting food.

  Larry yelped, trying to scramble away like a cornered rat, but Leores was faster. He grabbed him by the collar, lifting him effortlessly off the ground.

  “I noticed you following us a while ago but didn’t think you were a threat. Now, I need you to tell me everything,” Leores demanded, his grip tightening slightly.

  Larry’s eyes widened in terror, his heart pounding wildly as he faced the imposing figure before him.

  “Bro, I didn’t do anything!” Larry’s voice was high-pitched and strained with fear. “I just followed her like I was told!”

  “By who?” Leores’ voice was a low growl, his eyes boring into Larry’s very soul. The fear was palpable, a thick and sour presence in the alley.

  “Elvino Pezzuti!” Larry blurted, his eyes darting around in a desperate search for an escape that wasn’t there. “Please, man, I’m just a messenger! I don’t know anything else!”

  “Is that so? Then what about the sniper?” Leores’ grip tightened on Larry’s shirt, the fabric stretching under the strain.

  Larry’s face went pale, and he swallowed hard.

  “Okay, he told me to try and take you out! But he didn’t say you could dodge bullets!” Larry’s voice quivered, his eyes pleading for mercy.

  Leores released him with a disdainful shake of his head. “You’re a coward, but I don’t have time for you. I have a bigger fish to fry,” he said, extending his hand. “Give me your phone."

  Larry, hands trembling, fumbled in his pocket and handed over the phone.

  Leores took it and crushed it under his boot without hesitation. “I don’t need any breadcrumbs leading back to me.”

  “Get out of here before I change my mind,” Leores commanded, his voice cold and unyielding. Larry didn’t need to be told twice.

  He bolted, disappearing down the alley, leaving Leores alone with his thoughts.

  Leores examined the phone, recognizing it as a burner with limited time.

  “Looks like a burner phone, must have a few minutes on it. But I just need five," he muttered to himself, calculating the precious moments before the phone became useless. He quickly dialed the “boss” number.

  On the other side, Elvino’s phone buzzed on his desk, slicing through the silence of his office.

  He picked it up, expecting Larry’s voice, but instead, he was met with a cool, calm voice that sent a chill down his spine.

  “Elvino, we need to talk,” Leores’ voice came through, steady and commanding, setting the tone for the confrontation that was about to unfold.

  “Who the fuck is this?” Elvino’s voice rumbled with authority and irritation, cutting through the silence like a blade.

  “Come on, Elvino, I’m older, but you should still recognize me,” Leores replied, sarcasm dripping from his words, the tension between them crackling like electricity.

  “Let’s just say, I’m the kind of person who doesn’t appreciate someone trying to take a shot at me.”

  Elvino’s grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles whitening. “You’re that little shit from the old days,” he spat with disdain. “What do you want?”

  “Simple. I want to know why you’re selling drugs at Clearwater University. You should know, after the war, this city belongs to King,” Leores said, his voice icy, “And why you’re targeting the students and covering for the frat dogs?”

  Silence stretched across the line before Elvino’s low, mocking laugh filled the earpiece. “You think you know everything, don’t you, Leo? But let me tell you something—this isn’t just about money. It’s about power and control, something you’ll never understand.”

  “True, I don’t crave control over power. You can’t run on water, punch through a person, or snip someone from 100 meters away. You don’t have real power; you just think you do,” Leores retorted, his voice imbued with a quiet confidence that made Elvino’s smile falter.

  “But what I do know is if you keep this up and don’t tell me what I need, I’ll find you and won’t make the same mistake twice,” Leores continued, his voice a whip cracking through the tense silence.

  Elvino’s smile disappeared, his eyes flicking to the framed photo of his daughter on his desk, a reminder of his vulnerabilities.

  “You’re treading on dangerous ground, Leo. You’re playing with fire,” he warned, his tone serious and foreboding.

  “I killed El Chapo and dismantled his entire cartel, and you think a little fire is going to scare me?” Leores said, his voice devoid of emotion, his eyes as cold as his words. "Now tell me, why are you involved with Clearwater University?”

  Elvino leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers against the desk as he spoke.

  “It’s not just about money or power, Leo,” he began, his tone shifting to one of contemplation. “My family has a legacy here, a legacy that spans half a century. Clearwater University is where it all started for us. It’s where my great-grandfather built his empire. And I’ll be damned if I let some vigilante with a vendetta take it all away.”

  Leores felt a fire rising in his chest. “And what about all the lives you’re ruining, Elvino? What about the students caught in the crossfire of your power plays?” His voice was sharp, each word a dagger aimed at the man on the other end.

  Elvino’s expression darkened, his eyes cold as he stared at the phone. “Collateral damage,” he said flatly. “You think I don’t know what that is? But sometimes, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet.”

  Leores clenched his fist around the phone, his knuckles whitening. “Those aren’t eggs, Elvino. They’re lives!” he spat back, the alleyway around him seeming to shrink under the weight of his anger.

  “Ah, the innocence of the young,” Elvino chuckled darkly. “You think you can save everyone, don’t you? But let me educate you, Leo. In our world, power isn’t given, it's taken. And I won't let you or anyone else take what’s rightfully mine.”

  “You’re right… Even with all the real power I have, I can’t save everyone, but I can fix my mistake,” Leores said, his voice low and deadly.

  Elvino’s smile grew wider, mocking. “What mistake is that, Leo? I don’t remember you making any.”

  “Letting you live,” Leores replied, his voice a promise wrapped in a threat.

  The line went silent for a moment, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

  Elvino’s smile faded, his eyes narrowing into slits. “You dare threaten me?” he hissed, his voice a stark contrast to the earlier calm.

  “Don’t act tough to hide your fear, because you and I both know I can find and kill you whenever I want,” Leores said, his voice unnervingly calm. “But I’m not going to do that, not yet.”

  Elvino’s heart raced despite his outward calm. “Why not?” he asked, his voice tight with unease.

  “Because I need to fix my school first and its corruption, but the moment I’m done… you’ll be the first one I’ll kill,” Leores said with cold finality, hanging up the phone.

  He surveyed the alley, the scent of garbage and fear thick in the air.

  The phone's minutes expired, leaving only a dial tone echoing through the alley.

  Leores took a deep breath, the tension in his body slowly receding like a wave retreating from the shore.

  He looked down at the phone in his hand, feeling a mix of satisfaction and dread.

  The game had just begun, and he had declared his intentions.

  “I’ll keep the phone; I might be able to trace the call later,” Leores thought, slipping the device into his pocket.

  Back at House Brew

  Meanwhile, Vanessa sat at the café table, nervously twisting a strand of her hair.

  Her eyes were glued to the door, fear gnawing at her insides as the sound of the gunshot echoed in her mind.

  She prayed that Leores was okay. The sirens outside grew louder, painting an unsettling picture of chaos beyond the café’s walls.

  “What’s going on outside? I didn’t know they would go this far to cover up my rape,” Vanessa whispered to herself, her hands trembling as the sirens grew ever closer.

  The tremor of the café walls and the acrid smell of burnt rubber and fear seeped through the open doorway, heightening her anxiety.

  When Leores returned, he saw the café surrounded by police, the building now closed off.

  His heart sank, realizing he had left Vanessa inside. He pushed through the crowd with determination, disregarding the officers’ warnings to stay back.

  An officer grabbed his arm. ”Hey, kid, you can’t go in there yet. We’re questioning everyone inside.”

  Leores met the officer’s gaze with a steady look of authority. “Officer, let me speak to your lead detective or supervisor. I have information about the gunman that could be useful,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of someone who had seen much.

  The young officer hesitated, but something in Leores’ demeanor compelled him to comply.

  He called over the radio, requesting someone in charge.

  A grizzled detective with a five-o’clock shadow approached, his eyes sweeping the crowd before settling on Leores.

  He nodded to the officer, who reluctantly let go. “What do you got, kid?” the detective asked, his voice gruff but curious.

  “Multae fraternitatis sunt, quaedam sciuntur,” Leores whispered, eyes focused on the chaos outside.

  The detective raised an eyebrow but allowed him to continue.

  “Oh… You’re one of them?” The detective’s eyes sharpened, a hint of respect mingling with wariness in his tone.

  Leores nodded. “Let him through, officer. He’s cleared to enter,” the detective ordered, his voice cutting through the commotion.

  The crowd parted as Leores moved toward the café, seeking Vanessa.

  “Sir, why did you let him through?” the young officer protested, but the detective’s firm nod silenced him.

  Inside, Leores found Vanessa sitting alone, her eyes red and puffy from crying, hands shaking around a cup of cold coffee.

  The café was a mess, chairs overturned and glass scattered across the floor.

  “Hey, are you okay?” Leores asked gently, his voice a soothing balm amid the chaos.

  Vanessa looked up, relief washing over her face. She nodded, her grip on the cup tightening.

  The detective entered behind Leores, surveying the scene with a practiced eye. “You know something about this?” he asked in a low voice.

  “Yes, but it doesn’t concern you. It’s under control,” Leores assured the detective, keeping his attention on Vanessa.

  She looked at him, relief and confusion mingling in her eyes. “Are you okay?” he repeated, his voice calm despite the urgency beneath his words.

  “I’m going to be okay. Sorry for scaring you,” Vanessa responded, her voice quivering.

  Her gaze flickered to the shattered window. “But… who was shooting? And why?”

  “I’ll explain later. Let’s get you home, okay? It’s not safe here,” Leores said, gently guiding her through the debris.

  His eyes scanned the area for any signs of danger, his mind racing with the implications of the day’s events.

  “Did you drive, or did you take an Uber or something?” he asked, still vigilant as he steered her away from the café.

  “I-I drove,” she stuttered, her eyes lingering on the broken glass. “It’s parked out back.”

  Once they reached her car, Vanessa drove away, but Leores remained on high alert.

  His mind churned with the information he had gathered. He called Maes, briefing him on the latest events and the ominous name whispered during the call: Elvino Pezzuti.

  “So, Elvino Pezzuti, huh? I have to admit, I’m surprised he came back, Leo,” Maes’s voice crackled with concern and a hint of anger. “He’s got more guts than I gave him credit for.”

  “Yeah, but I’m with Vanessa now. I swear I’ve been so focused on watching for any more hostiles that I haven’t blinked in ten minutes,” Leores replied, his eyes unwavering on the road ahead.

  The tension in the car was palpable, a silent testament to the dangers lurking just out of sight.

  Maes sighed heavily on the other end of the line. “Look, I’ll get the team on it. We need more intel before making our next move. Just focus on school for now, all right? You’re temporarily retired, so don’t dive in headfirst just yet.”

  Leores nodded, though Maes couldn’t see him. “I know, but I can’t just ignore it.” His eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, ensuring they weren’t being followed.

  The streetlights cast a rhythmic pattern of light and shadow across Vanessa’s tear-stained face, highlighting her lingering fear.

  “I’m not saying ignore it. I’m saying give it a few weeks. He has plenty of enemies; let’s not make you a target right away,” Maes advised, his voice firm but laced with concern.

  Leores clenched his jaw, feeling the weight of his promise to Vanessa and the simmering anger toward Elvino.

  “Fine, but I’ll keep an eye out. And if anything happens…” He left the threat hanging, its weight heavy in the air.

  “Yeah, yeah, you’ll handle it. Just cool down; I’ve got it for now,” Maes replied, a mix of amusement and exasperation in his tone.

  Leores hung up and sighed, his gaze shifting back to Vanessa. She stared out the window, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. The car’s engine purred softly as they drove through the night, the city lights reflecting off the damp asphalt.

  He knew he couldn’t leave it alone, not after what he’d heard, but he couldn’t ignore Maes’s warning either.

  He was playing with fire, and he didn’t want to get burned, especially not with Vanessa in the line of danger.

  Vanessa's house

  Once they reached her house, Leores got out of the car, noting the eerie silence of the street, devoid of other vehicles.

  He scanned the area before turning to Vanessa, who still sat in the car, gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles.

  “Do you and your husband have the same car or separate cars?” he asked, his eyes still searching the shadows.

  Vanessa’s eyes snapped to him. “What? Oh, no, we have separate cars. Why?”

  “Is he home? I don’t think I should leave you alone tonight,” Leores said, his voice a blend of concern and determination.

  Vanessa nodded. “Yeah, he’s home; his car is just in the shop. I’ll be fine, I promise.” But her voice lacked conviction, and Leores could see the fear in her eyes, fueling his resolve.

  “Okay, I’ll get a Lyft or something, but if anything happens, call me, and I’ll be there,” Leores said, his eyes still scanning the area as he walked off into the night.

  Vanessa nodded, the tremble in her voice betraying her fear.

  Inside, Vanessa found her husband in the kitchen cooking dinner. His smile faded quickly when he saw her tear-stained face.

  “Honey, what happened?” he asked, rushing to her side, his apron fluttering like a chef’s cape.

  “Nothing, baby. Just a shooting today, and I was shaken up a little. But I’m okay,” Vanessa managed a weak smile, her eyes avoiding her husband's concerned gaze.

  She didn’t want to lie, but she also didn’t want to drag him into the dangerous world she had just glimpsed.

  “Yeah, I saw on the news. The sniper was found dead not far from a coffee shop, apparently with a large hole in his shoulder. He bled out before the cops could get there. No ID on him, but I’m guessing he’s not from around here," her husband said, wrapping his arms around her, worry lacing his voice. “But I’m glad you’re back home with me, Vanessa.”

  Vanessa leaned into his embrace, comforted by his presence yet haunted by the day’s events.

  She knew her life was far from simple, and the road ahead was fraught with danger. But for now, she was home, and that was enough.

  “Me too, Tristan. I’m happy to be home with you,” Vanessa murmured, her voice muffled against his chest as she nestled into his embrace.

  The warmth of his arms provided a brief respite from the cold fear that had settled in her bones.

  She inhaled deeply, the comforting scent of simmering sauce and freshly baked bread wrapping around her like a cozy blanket.

  “So, how was the meeting? The male teachers weren’t staring at you too much, were they?” Tristan teased, his tone light and playful as he attempted to lift the mood.

  Vanessa forced a laugh, “No, not really. They were more focused on the presentation.” She wasn’t ready to share the truth with him, not yet.

  The thought of the sniper, Elvino, and the weight of her conversation with Leores felt overwhelming. She needed time to process it all.

  “Well, I made your favorite—my Mexican casserole. Extra cheesy,” Tristan said, kissing her forehead before releasing her.

  The comforting aromas of home filled her senses, and the warmth of the kitchen enveloped her like a gentle embrace.

  Yet, the fear lingered like a shadow clinging to her back, a reminder that the danger was far from over.

  She nodded and made her way to the dinner table, her gaze lingering on the fridge where their family portrait was displayed.

  Her thoughts drifted to Leores, the only person who knew her secret, and the weight of her past.

  As they sat down to dinner, Vanessa tried to focus on the present, on the simple joys of being with Tristan and sharing a meal.

  But in the back of her mind, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the events of the day were just the beginning of something much bigger.

  She knew that she couldn’t keep the truth from Tristan forever, and that someday soon, she would have to confront the shadows of her past and the threats looming in her future.

  But for now, she allowed herself to find solace in the warmth of her husband’s presence and the comfort of home.