CHAPTER 53 Shadows Converge

Detective Simmons, a seasoned investigator with a keen eye for detail, approached Lisa's corner with an air of cautious determination, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hum of the coffee shop. The once cozy haven now felt like a trap closing in on her, the aroma of coffee replaced by an unsettling suspense. Lisa's pulse quickened, each beat resonating with the tension in the air. The detective's gaze lingered on her, and an unspoken acknowledgment passed between them. In that charged moment, Lisa's mind raced through the myriad possibilities. Would she be exposed, or could she maintain the delicate balance of her unseen pursuits? Detective Simmons, a man of measured words, finally spoke. "Excuse me, miss. Mind if I have a word?" Lisa, mastering the art of concealing her anxiety behind a composed exterior, nodded subtly. Her hoodie, a protective veil, remained firmly in place, concealing the turmoil beneath. The detective studied her, his eyes narrowing with a hint of susp