CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY SIX – NOSY NEIGHBOURS

The lazy Sunday morning had started off blissfully peaceful for Jasmine and Gordon. They had lingered in bed well past noon, trading languid kisses and basking in the warm cocoon of rumpled sheets and tangled limbs. It was a rare indulgence, a cherished respite from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives. At least, it was peaceful until the jarring buzz of Jasmine's doorbell shattered the tranquil silence. Jasmine groaned, burying her face in Gordon's chest as the insistent ringing persisted. "You've got to be kidding me." Gordon chuckled, his fingers trailing idly up and down the bare skin of her back. "Ignoring it won't make them go away, you know." "Watch me try," Jasmine muttered petulantly, making no move to untangle herself from their cozy embrace. Another series of rapid-fire buzzes assaulted their ears, followed by a familiar, reedy voice calling out from the hallway. "Jasmine, dear? It's Mrs. Kowalski from next door. Are you home?" Jasmine's eyes flew open, her relax