Unwanted Attention

After training, Daniel was the last to leave the locker room. He took his time, hoping the men outside would be gone when he stepped out.

No luck.

As soon as he exited the facility, he spotted them across the street, near a black sedan. They were speaking to each other in low voices, but Daniel couldn't hear a word.

His heartbeat quickened.

Then—one of them turned and started walking toward him.

Daniel didn't think. He ran.

He sprinted down the street, dodging past pedestrians. His breathing was ragged, his bag thumping against his side. He didn't look back. He didn't need to. He could hear the footsteps closing in behind him.

He turned sharply into a narrow alley, hoping to lose them—

And crashed straight into someone.

A gasp. Then a familiar voice.

"¡Daniel! ¿Qué haces?" (Daniel! What are you doing?)

Sofia.

She had been carrying a bag of groceries, now spilled across the ground.

Daniel tried to steady himself. "I—" He stole a glance behind him.

No one was there.

Sofia frowned. "Why are you running?"

Daniel opened his mouth, but no answer came. Had he imagined it?

No. He had felt them behind him. But now… nothing.

Sofia sighed and started gathering her groceries. "You're acting weird again."

Daniel swallowed hard. "I know." He bent down to help her pick up an orange.

Sofia's gaze softened. "Just tell me when you're ready, okay?"

Daniel nodded, even though he wasn't sure if he'd ever be ready.

As they walked together down the street, he couldn't shake the feeling.

The hunt had begun.