CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIX –WHERE WAS GORDON

But Gordon... A lump formed in her throat as the realization washed over her. He had stayed behind, sacrificing himself to ensure her escape.  Jasmine huddled in the shadowed doorway, her chest heaving as she fought to catch her breath. Her body ached from the frantic chase, and her mind whirled with a million unanswered questions. Where was Gordon? Had he managed to evade their pursuers, or had he sacrificed himself to ensure her escape? The thought caused a knot of dread to coil in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't bear the idea of the grizzled detective meeting his end at the hands of those ruthless thugs. As if summoned by her thoughts, a familiar gravelly voice rang out from the alley behind her. "You alright there, sweetheart?" Jasmine whirled around to see Gordon limping towards her, his face a mask of cuts and bruises. Relief washed over her in crashing waves. "Gordon!" she exclaimed, rushing to meet him. "I thought they had you." He waved a dismissive hand, though