Part 1: The Stop That Changed Everything

knowing who he was.

She stepped back and met his eyes. For a brief second, something flickered across her face. Curiosity, perhaps. Or confusion. He wondered if she felt it too, that strange pull, that unspoken familiarity.

“Officer Chen,” he said quietly.

She paused. “Yes?”

“Can I ask you something?”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Make it quick.”

“Do you continue reading …