Leon Kennedy

Chapter XXX

The sticky scent of ice cream and corn dogs still clung faintly to their hands as Leon led the twins toward the next set of rides. Ada kept her usual shadow-like presence slightly behind them, sunglasses angled perfectly, hat low over her brow. Though the park was busy, she moved with the precision of someone trained to blend in.

Her assassin instincts prickled. Something—or rather, someone—was moving through the crowd, deliberate and confident. Ada froze mid-step, hand adjusting the brim of her hat. She didn't need to see the face fully yet; the stance, the rhythm, the subtle tilt of the head—all familiar.

Leon noticed her pause, his hand tightening slightly around Adam's. "What is it?" he asked, his tone low.

Ada didn't answer immediately. She followed her instincts, scanning, calculating. Only when Leon's eyes followed hers did he see the source of her sudden halt.

Ashley.

Not in sunglasses, not hidden—just a casual dress, flowing and bright, and an unmistakable sense of presence that drew attention even in a crowded amusement park. She was with her father, strolling near the ice cream stand, enjoying the day like any other family—but Ada's instincts didn't let her forget the potential implications.

Leon's gut tightened. Ashley knew Ada. And more importantly, Ada with him... and the twins? God only knew what Ashley would think if she put all the pieces together. Worse, Ashley's father was right there. Would Ashley report Ada immediately?

Ada's mind went into calculated detachment mode. Shadow. Observe. Assess. She kept her body still, letting Leon walk forward, subtly positioning herself so Ashley would not immediately notice.

Ashley's eyes caught Leon before she saw Ada. The girl's face brightened, and she broke away from her father, dashing toward Leon with a delighted squeal. She had loved amusement parks since she could walk, and the sight of someone familiar—Leon—was enough to draw her like a magnet.

"Leon! Hi!" Ashley greeted, voice bright, almost skipping.

Leon's body tensed slightly, hand on Adam's shoulder, eyes flicking to Ada. She remained behind, silent, her silhouette blending into the background.

Ashley's gaze fell on the twins. "Who are these kids?" she asked, curiosity sparkling in her tone.

Adam stepped slightly forward, his small hand still in Leon's. "We're Uncle Leon's nephew and niece," he said crisply, cutting off Leona mid-sentence before she could blurt out the truth.

Leona froze, eyebrows furrowed. Her lips parted, ready to speak, but Adam gave her a subtle nudge. She understood immediately, tilting her head to look away with exaggerated interest in the ride ahead.

Ada's eyes narrowed imperceptibly, noting Adam's intervention. She felt a mix of pride and quiet relief; the boy was more mature than most at his age, already intuitively protecting their shared secret.

Ashley crouched slightly to meet Adam's eyes. "He looks so much like you, Leon!" she said, pointing to Adam. Then, looking at Leona, she hesitated, her expression softer. "And... she looks like someone I know. Almost like... hmm. Which side of the family are they from? Cousins? Sister's kids?"

Adam, fully aware of the potential danger in revealing anything more, gave Leona a quick nudge again. This time, she understood the mission. "I'm... hungry again," she said with impeccable timing, her voice sharp and commanding. "Can we get snacks?"

Ashley's focus broke, and her smile softened. "Of course! Let's go grab something to eat."

Leona's sass, however, could not be contained entirely. "Why on earth would you think I'd eat with a stranger?" she demanded, crossing her arms and looking Ashley up and down with playful suspicion.