Brandon's POV
The park looked exactly the way it always had.
My hands stayed buried deep inside my jacket pockets as I walked with long, determined strides toward the fountain at the center of the park.
Ashley was already waiting.
She stood beside one of the benches with her arms folded across her chest.
For a second, I almost laughed.
She looked less like a fashion designer and more like someone preparing to rob a bank.
Everything she wore was black.
Black cargo trousers tucked neatly into dark combat boots.
A fitted black hoodie zipped all the way to her neck.
A black baseball cap pulled low enough to shadow her eyes.
Even the backpack slung over one shoulder was matte black.
The only thing missing was a pair of night-vision goggles.
"You planning a burglary?" I asked as I approached.
Her lips curved into the smallest smile.
"I'm dressed for the occasion."
I glanced down at myself.
"You know... now I feel underdressed."
"Good."
