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I move to the doorway. Stay in the shadows where I can see without being seen.

Kaia is wiping tables. The same one. Over and over. Her movements are tight. Controlled.

She’s noticed the car too. The black sedan that’s been parked across the street for three days. Always the same spot. Always during the quiet hours.

I’ve watched the driver. Never gets out. Just sits there with his phone. Taking pictures.

Hunting.

The bell chimes.

A man walks in. Suit. Expensive. Pressed so sharp it could draw blood.

Preston Crane.

I know him immediately. Not his face. Not his name. But what he is underneath.

Predator.

“Kaia.” He says her name like he owns it. “Good to see you.”

She doesn’t stop wiping. “Preston.”

“Just coffee today. Black.”

He sits at the corner table. The one with full visibility. Display case. Kitchen door. Everything.

His phone comes out. Face-down on the table. Still glowing.

Kaia pours coffee. Her hand is steady but I can smell her fear. Bitter. Sharp.

“Business seems slow,” he says.

“It’s Tuesday.”

“Mm. I remember when this place used to be packed on Tuesdays.” He sips. Watches her over the rim. “I’d come here for lunch meetings because of the best sandwiches in town.”

Her jaw tightens. I see it from here.

“That was a long time ago.”

“Three years. Not that long, really.” He sets down the cup. “Time moves differently when you’re grieving. I imagine it feels like yesterday for you.”

She doesn’t answer. Moves to the next table.

“I heard you hired help,” Preston continues. Casual. Light. Lying. “Family, is he?”

Kaia goes still. “What?”

“I’ve seen someone around. Early mornings. Late evenings.” He tilts his head. Studies her. “Tall. Dark hair. Moves like someone who doesn’t want to be seen.” His smile is wrong. “Thought maybe you had a cousin visiting.”

“He’s helping with inventory.”

“That’s good. Smart. A woman in your condition shouldn’t be lifting heavy things.”

The way he says condition makes my hands clench.

I grab the nearest flour sack. Fifty pounds. Heft it onto my shoulder and walk through the door.