Three weeks have passed, and the city finally loosens its grip. Dallas stands on a cliff above the harbor, coat collar up against the wind, the gray ocean rolling below like old steel.
Far behind him, Far Harbor sits under a low veil of fog and chimney smoke. No phones ring. No footsteps chase him. Just the crash of waves and the salt in the air.
Dallas Fontaine
No questions. No fresh paper trail. For once, nothing is demanding him.
Murderbone
Calm. Watch the water. Stay close.
Murderbone presses in at Dallas’s side, ears forward, then eases into a steady sit beside him. The dog’s eyes stay on the surf, but his shoulder leans warm against Dallas’s leg.
Jackson Temple
You look like a man who finally ran out of road, Dallas.
Jackson steps up onto the rocks below the cliff path, hands in his coat pockets, gaze fixed on the city and then on Dallas. The wind tugs at his sleeves, but his expression stays easy.
Jackson Temple
If you want, we can just stand here awhile. Let the harbor keep its secrets for five damn minutes.
“Dallas says" Thank you to everyone who read the tale. Please see LoreBook update. Story code AODF2"”
Dallas Fontaine
Thanks, both of you. LoreBook update, story code AODF2.
Jackson Temple
Then we’ll call it a clean note, for once.
Murderbone
Safe. Stay here.
✓ Quest Accepted
Conclude the investigation