chapter672

"I'll go! Me too!" The voices chimed in at the station, but Daniel’s mind was already made up. He pointed toward Finley Wood. "Finley, you mentioned wanting to introduce your sister to me. Why don't you come along?"

Finley looked caught off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. They walked out of the police station in silence and climbed into the car. As Daniel fastened his seatbelt, Finley couldn't help but ask, "Captain Morrison, did you ask for me because you’re actually interested in meeting her?"

Daniel started the engine, his expression calm and resolute as they pulled away from the curb. "I'm not interested in your sister, Finley. I’m taking you with me to meet the woman I actually like. I figured it was the best way to settle the matter once and for all."

Finley sighed, looking out the window as they drove. The rejection was polite but absolute; Daniel hadn't left a single inch of room for negotiation.

On the bustling market street, Sienna leaned against the cash register of the corner store. She looked listless, like a lily withered by the afternoon heat. The mundane tasks of running her mother’s shop felt heavy today.

"Give me a cigar," a man demanded, leaning over the counter.

Sienna pulled the item from the glass cabinet and placed it on the counter. "Nineteen."

"Put it on credit," the man said, reaching for it. "I’ll settle up next time."

Sienna’s hand shot out, pinning the cigar to the counter before he could grab it. She narrowed her eyes, her voice dropping into a firm, deliberate tone. "This is a small business. We don't do credit."

"Your mother always lets me!" the man argued, his face reddening. "Why are you making things so difficult?"

Sienna let out a cold snort. She snatched the cigar back, locked it in the cabinet, and pulled an account book from the drawer. Before the man could retreat, she grabbed his sleeve. "What’s your name? Let’s see exactly how much you already owe."

"What are you doing?" the man stammered, trying to pull away.

"I’m settling the books," Sienna snapped. "The sign on the door is clear. If you owe money, you pay it. Now, do you actually have no money, or are you just hoping for a free ride? Because I’m more than happy to walk you to the station so the police can help you check your balance."

The man struggled, but Sienna’s grip was like iron. In a desperate, clumsy move to escape her hold, he twisted out of his jacket and ran from the store bare-chested, leaving his clothes in Sienna’s hands.

Frustrated, Sienna surged out from behind the counter to chase him down, waving the discarded garment. Daniel and Finley arrived just in time to witness the spectacle—a man fleeing in panic followed by a very vocal, very angry Sienna.

They stepped aside, dumbfounded by the chaotic scene. Sienna suddenly skidded to a halt when her eyes met Daniel’s. She dropped the clothes as if they were white-hot, her face instantly flushing with heat. She wanted nothing more than to disappear into the floorboards.

Why is he here? she thought frantically. After days of trying to push him out of her mind, seeing him now felt like a cruel twist of fate.

She beat a hasty retreat back into the store, hiding behind the cash register. She began rearranging the cigarettes in the glass cabinet with shaky hands, making a bigger mess than she started with. Daniel and Finley followed her inside.

"Having a lively afternoon, aren't you?" Daniel teased, a warm, genuine smile playing on his lips. "Though chasing men through the street might be a bit unconventional for a public place."

Sienna ignored him, her head bowed as she focused intensely on the counter. Finley, sensing the thick atmosphere, stepped in to break the tension. He handed over a promotional leaflet.

"Hello," Finley said professionally. "This is an anti-drug awareness leaflet from our department. Our contact information is listed right there. If you notice any suspicious activity or outsiders involved in illegal trafficking in this market, please reach out to us immediately."