[Gabriel's POV]
As I ended the call with Rachel, I realized with a pang of guilt that I had forgotten it was her birthday. I slapped myself on the cheek, muttering, "Fool, you forgot." How could I have been so preoccupied with our plans that I forgot something so important to her?
But there was no time to dwell on my mistake. Thoughts of Rachel's safety consumed me, and I knew I had to act fast. While our plan with Lowell and Lewis required patience, I couldn't rest with the knowledge that Rachel was now under the threat of Jake.
I rushed back inside, packing my belongings in a frenzy. Clothes were hastily stuffed into a bag, and as I grabbed one of my shirts, a necklace fell out. I picked it up, and a flood of memories washed over me.
The necklace held sentimental value – a keepsake f
