CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FOUR – FLIGHT TO PERU

Finally, he broke the silence. "So, Maria, what takes you to Peru?" Jasmine forced a smile. "Visiting family. My aunt is ill." Vega nodded sympathetically. "I'm sorry to hear that. Trujillo is a beautiful city, though. Have you been before?" "No, this is my first time," Jasmine replied, trying to keep her answers vague. "Ah, a newcomer," Vega smiled. "You know, you look familiar. Have we met before?" Jasmine's heart raced. "I don't think so. I have one of those faces, I guess." Vega's eyes narrowed slightly. "Perhaps. You remind me of someone I saw on the news recently. There was a fire at a bistro in Albuquerque..." Jasmine felt panic rising in her chest. She forced a laugh. "Oh, I don't watch much news. Too depressing." Before Vega could respond, the plane hit a pocket of turbulence. The sudden jolt sent Jasmine's bag tumbling to the floor, spilling its contents. As she hurried to gather her things, Vega bent to help. He picked up a small photo that had fallen out - a pictur