The journey to Anony was as bleak as the stories surrounding the area. Thenma drove past crumbling infrastructure, graffiti-covered walls, and streets that seemed untouched by progress. Nestled at the border of Asterline and the neighboring town, Anony bore the weight of neglect, its reputation tethered to poverty and its streets teeming with shadows of lost hope.Highlife Apartments came into view—a relic of better days now faded into mediocrity. The building’s dull gray facade was cracked and weathered, its once-bright signage flickering erratically. It stood as a stark reminder of the city's divide between privilege and despair.Thenma parked his car and stepped out, the stench of dampness and decay assaulting his senses. He adjusted his jacket and moved toward the entrance, his steps purposeful. The air was thick with suspicion, and the few residents lingering outside glanced at him warily before turning away.Inside, the apartment’s lobby was dimly lit, its faded wallpaper peelin

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the park as Thenma leaned against his car, waiting for Laura. The sleek, black sportscar gleamed in stark contrast to the modest surroundings, drawing a few curious glances from passersby. Thenma glanced at his watch, his thoughts still swirling around the inconsistencies he’d uncovered in Anony.Not far away, Laura stepped out of her car, glancing around to spot Thenma. She had barely taken a step when she felt the faint sensation of being watched. Across the parking lot, Alex sat in his own vehicle, his eyes fixed on her. He adjusted his seat slightly, narrowing his gaze as he watched Laura walk toward a second car—an expensive sports car that seemed out of place in this area.Alex’s brow furrowed as Laura opened the passenger door and climbed in, the sight stirring a flicker of suspicion in him.Inside the car, Laura settled into the plush leather seat, glancing at Thenma with a wry smile. “You know, me getting into this car makes me lo

The soft hum of the car’s interior light cast a faint glow over Laura Finch’s face as she gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles pale against the leather. She hadn’t started the engine yet, and the silence in the car was suffocating. Next to her, Thenma slouched in the passenger seat, exuding his usual air of defiance.Laura’s sharp, cold gaze bore into him, the irritation on her face unmistakable. “Don’t waste your time staring at me like that, Prosecutor Finch,” Thenma said, his voice low but laced with mockery.Laura scoffed, leaning back in disbelief. “Then stop acting like I’m your damn parent, boy. Do you have any idea how many files I had to skip to drag you out of that police station?”“Sorry, Mom,” Thenma replied dryly, tugging his leather jacket tighter around him as if to shield himself from her frustration. But his mind wasn’t on her scolding—it was still back in Anony, replaying Joey Douglas’ panicked gestures over and over.Laura shook her head, her lips presse