José leaned against the wall behind the library, arms crossed, eyes scanning the path. His heart felt heavy. Esther's words from earlier kept repeating in his head. The way she looked at him. The quiet threat in her voice. He hated how close she had gotten to the truth.
He pulled out his phone again and checked the time. Patrick should be here soon.
A few minutes later, he saw him. Patrick walked quickly toward him, bag over one shoulder, face slightly worried. When their eyes met, something warm and soft moved inside José's chest.
"You came," José said, pushing himself off the wall.
Patrick stopped in front of him. "You said it was important. What's wrong?"
José looked around carefully to make sure no one else was nearby. The area behind the library was quiet, mostly empty during thi
