Chapter 65: Reflections

“Parker, drop me off at the park,” Conor said suddenly, making a decision. “I need to clear my head.”

Parker nodded without question and turned the car toward the park. A few minutes later, they arrived at the park’s entrance. Conor stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. He needed this—time to think, to order his thoughts, and to plan his next moves.

“I’ll be close by,” Parker said, his tone indicating he understood the need for solitude but was still on duty.

Conor nodded in acknowledgment, then began walking down the winding path through the park. The trees provided a natural canopy, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The serenity of the surroundings was a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his mind.

As he walked, Conor mentally sorted through the problems he needed to address, each one a piece of the complex puzzle he was trying to solve.

First, there was the situation with the Cochan Mall. He had no idea if Jessica’s parents would even consider