The evening sky was slowly turning dark when Hunter’s car stopped in front of Tila’s house. He leaned a bit toward her and said, “Thank you for tonight.”

Tila smiled and opened the door. “Thank you for driving me home,” she said softly.

“Go in now. I’ll call you,” Hunter replied, his tone calm.

Tila waved, then turned to walk toward the gate. As Hunter’s car drove off, a shadow moved from behind the trees. It was Desmond. His eyes followed the car until it disappeared down the street. Then he hurried forward, calling out, “Tila!”

Tila turned sharply, surprised. “Desmond?”

He stopped a few feet from her, slightly out...