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We were nearing the foot of the cliff, the jagged rocks looming ominously above us, yet no alarms had shattered the tense silence. As I swept my gaze across the cautiously advancing group, my eyes met Daphne's. Her expression was a mix of determination and apprehension.

"Everything okay?" I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me.

"So far," Daphne replied breathlessly, her words punctuated by the sound of our muted footsteps on the gravelly path. She cast a quick glance around, then focused back on me. "You're good, y'know. How'd you end up in a situation like this?"

Her voice carried a hint of admiration and curiosity, amidst the backdrop of our risky descent into the unknown.

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"Listen, Quinn, it's only one more job. Then you're free to do as you like."

I let out a weary sigh and rubbed the bridge of my nose, the weight of my chosen profession bearing down on me.

 Glancing up at my boss, I studied his medium build, blond thinning hair, and the thick bushy mustache that defined his stern expression. After a lingering pause, I finally relented.

 "Alright, one more. Then I'm out."


A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of his mustache.

"Thanks, Quinn. I'll email you the details. It's been good working with you."

 With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing alone in the hallway.

 Shaking my head, I made my way to the parking lot. The day had long exceeded its end, and I needed to get home.
"Gillian! I'm home!" Dropping my gym bag, I called out, scanning the quiet apartment for any sign of movement.

He had been my boyfriend for two years now. We had met in the academy, forging an instant friendship that blossomed into something deeper over time. A year after graduation, we took the plunge and moved in together, solidifying our commitment to each other. Since then, we had shared both our lives and our work.

"Gillian, where are you?" I ventured into our shared bedroom, greeted only by silence.

Was he even home?



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