The Crimson Silence

Shadows in the Wind

The evening had settled over New York with a cool breeze as Jake and Sam trudged their way back to The C Spot. The day had been overwhelming-an emotional marathon neither of them had expected, leaving them physically drained. The glow from the café's large windows cast warm light onto the street as they approached, offering a welcoming reprieve from the tension-filled hours at the FBI headquarters.

Lisa and Cynthia were inside, chatting by the counter when the door chimed, announcing Jake and Sam's arrival.

"There they are... the new best friends of the FBI," Lisa teased with a grin, leaning over the counter.

Jake mockingly mouthed the words back at her, raising an eyebrow. He was too exhausted to respond with anything else, but the playful exchange lifted his spirits for a brief moment.

"You alright, Jake?" Cynthia asked, her voice softer than Lisa's. She looked at him closely, her concern evident in her eyes.

Jake nodded and smiled faintly. "Yeah... tired, but alright." His voice was calm, though fatigue dripped from his words. He glanced at Sam, who looked equally worn out. "We both are."

"Yeah..." Sam chimed in, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I'm really hungry though."

"Oh yeah, me too," Jake added, exhaling deeply. "I miss food."

Cynthia chuckled, a quiet sound that made Jake feel momentarily at ease.

"Give me 15 minutes," Lisa said, heading towards the kitchen. "I'll make you both a sandwich."

Cynthia busied herself with making two cups of caramel latte, the faint sound of steaming milk breaking the comfortable silence in the café. The familiar scent of caramel and coffee filled the air, wrapping the space in a sense of normalcy Jake hadn't realized he missed.

"Here. Drink up," Cynthia said, handing over the mugs.

Sam took a sip, then dramatically widened his eyes. "Cynthia, this latte is amazing. You should spend more time here. You know, more than her," he said, mockingly pointing at Lisa.

"Don't piss off the people who make you food, Sam," Lisa shot back from the kitchen, her voice carrying a playfully sinister edge.

Jake smiled, giving Cynthia a thumbs-up in silent acknowledgment of Sam's compliment. They all shared a laugh, and Jake and Sam took a booth by the window, sinking into the cushioned seats with a sigh. Both of them leaned back, their eyes fluttering shut for a moment.

"Can't believe we had to go through all this in a single day," Sam muttered, rubbing his temples with his eyes still closed.

"Yeah," Jake agreed, his voice low. He let out a long breath. "But I'm really glad Katie is okay."

Sam paused, then added, "I don't say this often, man, but... thanks to you as well, Jake."

Jake shook his head. "Don't mention it."

They sat in silence for a few moments, the hum of the café's low chatter fading into the background. Lisa soon brought out the sandwiches, setting them on the table. She and Cynthia joined them, and for a while, the four of them chatted, laughed, and shared the kind of easy camaraderie that only came with years of knowing each other. The horrors of the day momentarily slipped away as they enjoyed the warmth of good food and better company.

After finishing up, Jake asked Lisa to close up the café and drop the keys off with him later. He and Sam headed out. Sam drove toward his apartment, the two shared a quiet ride. The city streets were cold now, the usual hustle slowing to a hum. When they reached Sam's place, Jake took his bike, and with a quick nod of farewell, rode off into the night.