A Visit to Kyra's Restaurant

The next morning, Sophia and Ms. Johnson arrived at the office building, each separately, as if they didn't know each other. They worked on different floors, and it wasn't unusual for them to cross paths occasionally, but today was different. Today, they had a mission.

Sophia finished her work early and packed up her things, trying to appear nonchalant as she left the building. She walked to her car, parked in a secluded spot, and got in. As she started the engine, she noticed a figure approaching her car. It was Ms. Johnson, her expression serious.

"Get in," Sophia said, unlocking the passenger door.

Ms. Johnson slid into the seat, her eyes scanning the surrounding area. "No one saw us, I made sure of it."

Sophia nodded, putting the car in gear. "Where to?"

"Kyra's restaurant. I have a feeling Lyra might be hiding in plain sight."

Sophia's heart raced as she pulled out of the parking lot, her mind racing with possibilities. What would they find at Kyra's restaurant? Was Lyra really alive? And why didn't she show herself all these years?

As they drove, Ms. Johnson briefed Sophia on her findings. "I've digged into Kyra's past, and there are some suspicious gaps. I think she might be Lyra."

"How did you find out?" Sophia's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "What do we do if it is her?"

Ms. Johnson's eyes narrowed. "I have my way of finding things out, and we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. First, let's confirm our suspicions."

The tension in the car was palpable as they approached Kyra's restaurant, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Would Kyra recognize them? Would their secret be revealed?

Sophia and Ms. Johnson walked into Kyra's restaurant, their senses filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee. They were shown to a cozy table by the window, and as they settled in, Sophia felt a sense of nervous anticipation.

"I can't believe we're doing this, Ms. Johnson," Sophia whispered. "What if it's really her? What if Lyra is alive?"

Ms. Johnson's expression was stern, her eyes fixed on the menu. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Sophia. First, let's gather our facts. Observe her behavior, her mannerisms. We need to be sure."

The waiter, a friendly young man, James, with a warm smile came to take their order. Sophia asked for latte, while Ms Johnson opted for a green tea.

As they waited for their drinks to arrive, Sophia tried to catch a glimpse of Kyra, but she was nowhere to be seen. They lingered over their lattes and green tea, trying to appear nonchalant while scanning the restaurant for any sign of the owner.

Sophia finally flagged down a young waiter, who seemed friendly and eager to please. "Excuse me," Sophia asked, trying to sound casual. "Is Kyra, the owner, around? We're old friends and wanted to say hello."

James's expression turned apologetic. "I'm so sorry, ladies. Chef Kyra isn't around right now. She's, uh, stepped out for a bit."

Sophia's eyes met Ms. Johnson's, both of them thinking the same thing. Where had Kyra gone? And why was the waiter being so evasive?

"Okay, thank you," Sophia said, trying to hide her disappointment.

Without waiting for their orders to arrive, Sophia and Ms Johnson quickly finished their orders, leaving the drinks almost untouched. "We will just take the check, please," Sophia told James, her mind already racing with possibilities.

As they left the restaurant, Sophia turned to Ms. Johnson. "That was weird, right? It felt like he was hiding something."

Ms. Johnson's eyes narrowed. "We'll be back, Sophia. And next time, we won't leave until we get the truth."