✽ Jason ✽
The tracker on Mandy’s phone told me when she left Hawthorne House. I didn’t need it, but I used it anyway. Data removed doubt. Mandy walked with purpose tonight, hair down, coat buttoned, phone in her hand. She looked like she wanted this to be normal. She deserved less hope than she carried. Paul arrived at the corner on time. He wore a scarf and a neat jacket, and he smiled as if the city was kind. He offered his arm. Mandy didn’t take it, but she stepped closer than she did with strangers. That was enough to tighten my jaw. They took a cab, and I followed in my car, two vehicles back, never close enough to be noticed, never far enough to lose them. Paul chose a taco place on the east side, the kind with bright lights and loud music that tried too hard. The sign outside read
