We walked side by side along the park's winding path toward the parking area. The afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting shifting patterns of light on the ground. Kayleen kept a small distance between us, her arms still crossed, eyes scanning our surroundings. A couple of joggers passed by, nodding politely as they ran. I stayed quiet, not wanting to push her too much too soon.
We reached my car a couple of minutes later. I unlocked it and we both got in. I drove out of the main parking lot and headed toward a quieter area I knew nearby, an old service road behind a closed industrial building. Tall trees and overgrown bushes lined both sides, giving plenty of cover. No cameras, no foot traffic. Perfect.
I killed the engine and parked in a shaded spot where we couldn't be seen from the main road.
