CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY TWO – A KNIFE’S EDGE

The journey back was tense, both women hyper-aware of every passerby, every idling car. By the time they reached the relative safety of Raquel's home, Jasmine felt as if she'd aged years in a single afternoon. As they sat at the kitchen table, cups of strong coffee cooling before them, Raquel finally broke the heavy silence. "I'm sorry, girl," she said, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "I thought I could get you out, get you somewhere safer. But it seems that wherever I look, there are eyes watching." Jasmine reached out, covering Raquel's weathered hand with her own. "It's not your fault," she said firmly. "You've done more for me than I could have ever asked for." Raquel's mouth twisted in a wry smile. "Maybe so. But it's not enough, is it? You're still in danger here." Jasmine nodded slowly, her mind racing. "So what do we do now?" Raquel sighed, suddenly looking every one of her years. "I hate to say it, but I think... I think you might be safer on your own." The words h