CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY NINE – FOREST SEARCH

As Jasmine climbed out of the van, her legs shaky from the long, intense ride, she took a deep breath of the cool night air. The events of the day washed over her – the funeral, the police station, the chase. It all seemed surreal, like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from. But as she followed Silva towards the cabin, Jasmine knew this was all too real. Gordon was dead, she was in danger, and nothing would ever be the same again. Whatever lay ahead, she had no choice but to face it. With one last look at the dark, unfamiliar landscape around her, Jasmine stepped into the safe house, leaving behind the world she knew and stepping into an uncertain future. The safe house was a far cry from the luxury Jasmine was accustomed to. A musty odor permeated the air, and the floorboards creaked with every step. Silva moved through the dimly lit space with practiced ease, checking windows and securing doors. "It's not the Ritz," he said, noticing Jasmine's apprehensive look, "but it'll keep u