CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN – SUSPICIOUS MEETING

The desert sun beat down mercilessly as Jasmine gazed out the window of the armored SUV. Alejandro, Don Cesaro's trusted guard, sat beside her, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. "Señorita Jasmine," Alejandro broke the silence, "are you nervous about this meeting?" Jasmine turned to face him, her expression a mix of determination and apprehension. "A little," she admitted. "But I need answers about Gordon's death. This might be our only chance to uncover the truth." Alejandro nodded, his weathered face creasing with a small smile. "Don Cesaro wouldn't have entrusted this task to you if he didn't believe in your capabilities. Remember, stick to the plan, and we'll be fine." "I know," Jasmine sighed. "It's just... after everything that's happened, it's hard to feel safe anywhere." "That's why I'm here, señorita," Alejandro reassured her, patting the holster at his side. "No harm will come to you on my watch." As they drove on, the landscape gradually shifted from barr