flickering streetlights. It was David, Ethan's former business partner--the one guy

l, but Jasmine could see the tightness i

tone dripping with disdain. "I figured you might n

" Ethan snapped, h

re in over your head, and I know how to get you out." He looked at Jasmine, an evil gr

m. "I'm not going anywhere with you," she said, her

and the situation. You're a liability now. You think they'll just let

ine. "You're not helping us, David. We

e something they want. You think you can run away and hide? They'll

s. "You've been part of this mess from

ping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Things that coul

She could see the conflict in his expression, the war betwee

gent. "We don't have many options right now

protested. "He's dangerous

re a smart woman. But the longer you resist, the more dangerous this

ed at her, an relentless reminder that they were in over their heads. "Wha

"I know where the shipment is. I know why they're

r. "What do you mean?

't be here if I didn't. But I can't just give you the

l?" Jasmine asked

help me in return. A little trade, if you wil

his voice low and fir

iting for the shipment. If you help me set up the deal, I'll g

suddenly said, her heart pounding. "We ne

The people who are hunting you down? You think the

. "And what happens after?

You two are the perfect cover. I help you, an

form in her stomach.

ut," David said, his tone chilling. "They'll come after you, and I c

s eyes filled with doubt. "

"We can't trust him! This is exactly what

frustration creeping into his voice. "We need

between her instincts and the reality of their situation. "What do you sa

is hair as he weighed their choices. "

ith their indecision. "Smart mov

footsteps echoed in the distance. Jasmine's heart san

David said, h

"You need to decide.

ong determination and fear in his eye

gestured for them to follow him.

ear wash over her. They were stepping deeper into a dangerous game,

," Ethan said, keeping his voice low as they

looking back at them. "You'll get all the de

rs, and she couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The shadows loomed

nd them, followed by rapid footsteps. Ja

David ordered,

twisted and turned, but they couldn't shake the feeling of being hunted. With every str

s, blocking their path. Jasmine's heart sank as she recognized the face-

e?" he taunted,

ized that their escape was about