As she made to leave, Jalen walked her to the door. “Take care on your way.
Call me if you need anything.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
Just as she was about to leave, Jalen called out, “Hold on, you’ve just arrived in Newfort. You probably haven’t got local currency yet. Here, take some cash. It’ll be easier for you to get around.”
He went to the living room, returned with his wallet, and handed her a mix of bills and coins.
“Just ask if you need more.”
Hannah accepted the money. “Thanks, Jalen. You think of everything. I’m off now.”
“Stay safe!”
“Alright, Jalen. You can go back inside.”
Once outside, Hannah looked around. Taxis were scarce here. She was on her phone, looking for a ride to the city center when a black Bentley pulled up.
The passenger window rolled down, revealing Winston Ortega. “Miss, need a ride? I can offer a good rate.”
Hannah just stared at him, silent.
Winston persisted, “Are you from Cadilind? Where to? I’ll take you. How about a discount?”
“What’s the fare to Lightby center?”
“Usually, it’s at least 70. I just dropped someone off nearby and don’t want to head back without another passenger. How about 50?”
Winston had just finished speaking when Hannah opened the door and climbed in. “Thanks,” she said, settling into the car. She remained silent as Winston drove through Lightby’s downtown streets.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, Winston caught Hannah looking out the window.
She didn’t turn to speak but instead commented without emotion. “Mister, should you really be watching your passengers more than the road?”
Hannah faced forward, catching Winston’s eye in the mirror. “Do I know you?”
she asked.
Avoiding her gaze, Winston, trying to sound casual, replied, “You’ve got it wrong. It’s just rare to meet someone from Cadilind here. It felt familiar, that’s all. Didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Is that so?” Hannah asked, a slight smile on her lips. “You’re from Cadilind too? When did you move to Newfort?”
“A few years back,” he said, focusing on the road.
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Hannah traced circles on her knees thoughtfully. “What part of Cadilind are you from?”
“I’m originally from Muvrand, but my family moved here,” Winston shared.
“Understood.” Hannah looked up, her eyebrows arching. “I often go to Muvrand for little errands. It’s as if fate brought us together.”
“Fate indeed,” Winston agreed, smiling.
Hannah quirked an eyebrow. “Driving a Bentley and still working as a taxi driver?”
Her question hung in the air, the atmosphere in the car growing heavy.
Winston’s smile disappeared as he loosened his grip on the wheel. “Miss, I’m not sure what you’re implying.”