ered in the air, a constant reminder of her new life in Clearwater Bay. As she stretched and p

itewashed walls and creaky wooden floors, it wasn't much, but it was hers. Mo

nt trips to the doctor, her days felt full but peaceful. Maeve, her elderly neighbor, had taken a liking to her. The older woman often stopped by with baked goods or to

ing in Maeve's cozy kitchen, surrounded by mismatched china and the smell

uring tea. "A young woman, alone in a quie

ds. "I needed a fresh start," she said caref

metimes, dear. Clearwater Bay is good for the soul. Ju

pped below the horizon, she stood on the porch, staring out at the ocean. For the first

ace was sh

k black car parked down the street. Its tinted windows glinted ominously in the sun

ing of being watched refused to leave her. That evening, she spotted the car a

ic? Had he finally found her

ed at her door days earlier, showed up at the small library where

his voice low but firm. "I trust

not interested in working with your publ

I'm afraid it's not that simple. My

. "I don't know who your employer i

hisper. "You're carrying something very imp

f the library, her breath coming in short gasps. She didn't st

e she had tried so hard to rebuild was crumbling. Dominic's world had fou

p running. Whatever danger was closing in, she

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