Noah texted Marcus at 8 AM on a Tuesday.
*Need your help with something. Can you meet me downtown at 10?*
Marcus's response came fast. *This about Leighton?*
*Just meet me.*
*That's a yes. I'll be there.*
The jewelry store was tucked between a coffee shop and an art gallery. Discreet. Expensive. The kind of place that didn't advertise because it didn't need to.
Marcus arrived five minutes early. Found Noah standing outside. Staring at the window display like it might bite him.
"You're really doing this?" Marcus asked.
"Yeah. I am."
"About time." Marcus clapped his shoulder. "Let's go buy a ring."
Inside, everything gleamed. Glass cases filled with diamonds. Emeralds. Sapphires. Too much. Too bright. Noah's palms started sweating.
A woman approached. Mid-fifties. Kind eyes. "Gent
