CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR – HER HUMBLE ABODE

Later that morning, as Jasmine prepared to leave for her new apartment, she took one last look around the room that had been her sanctuary for the past weeks. Despite its small size and sparse furnishings, it had become a home of sorts, a place where she had begun to rebuild her shattered sense of security. Raquel stood in the doorway, her face an impassive mask that didn't quite hide the worry in her eyes. "You have everything? The new ID, the emergency money?" Jasmine nodded, patting the hidden pocket in her jacket where she had stashed the vital documents. "All set. And I remember the code phrases, in case I need to contact you." "Good," Raquel said gruffly. She hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and pulled Jasmine into a brief, fierce hug. "Take care of yourself, girl. And don't you dare get caught." Jasmine returned the embrace, blinking back tears. "I won't. Thank you, Raquel. For everything." With a final nod, Jasmine shouldered her small bag and walked out the fr