It wasn’t the first time Amanda had spoken to her like that, but today something felt different. The tone. The timing. The way Amanda had looked over her shoulder mid-conversation, as if waiting for someone to arrive.
Lucia decided to drive a short distance away, just enough to stay out of sight. She parked near the corner, heart racing. A few moments later, she saw flashing lights reflecting off the windows. One police cruiser pulled in, then another. Within minutes, the quiet street was swarming with officers in tactical gear. Neighbors stepped out of their homes, whispering. Lucia’s phone buzzed again. This time the message was longer: “Are you safe? Don’t go back. You were never the one they were after.”
