It was lunchtime. Nathan, with his usual sleek confidence, stepped out of the office and slid behind the wheel of his car, planning to stop by the house for a quick meal. The city breathed slowly in the midday sun—but his instincts kicked in fast. A black car, sleek yet oddly inconspicuous, had been tailing him, matching his every move like a predator lurking behind prey.
He narrowed his eyes at the rearview mirror. Just as he reached the street near Emily's school, the black car continued its quiet pursuit. That's when Nathan saw her—Emily, sitting on the sidewalk, swinging her legs and munching on cookies, waiting for Vicky.
Behind him, Ruben was on high alert. Trailing in a separate vehicle, he'd noticed the black car too. His hand instinctively found his holster. The moment Nathan parked, the suspicious vehicle slowed, creeping to a halt—until the driver saw Ruben's car. With a screech, the black car bolted away. Ruben didn't hesitate. He slammed his foot on the accelerator, tires burning rubber as he followed the car down the street.
Nathan stepped out, shaking the unease off his shoulders. A smile bloomed on his face as he approached the little girl with crumbs on her cheeks.
"Emily," he greeted warmly.
"Mr. Nate!" Emily beamed. "How are you doing?"
"What's this you're eating?" Nathan asked, kneeling beside her. He squinted at the cookie in her hand. "Is that a letter? Wait—is that an 'N'?"
"It spells your name!" she chirped proudly. "They're called koeksisters. My sister made them for me."
"Really?" Nathan's eyes lit up. "Can I try one?"
"Here," she said, offering him one shaped like an 'M'. "But I'll eat the 'Y'. That's mine."
Nathan took a bite—and nearly groaned at the taste. "These are amazing."
Emily grinned. "I told you!"
"You go to school here?"
"Yes! I'm in Grade 2," she said, puffing out her chest proudly.
Nathan chuckled. "I need your sister to make these for me every day."
"I'll tell her!" Emily promised. "Let's meet here tomorrow at 8 o'clock. I'll bring them."
"Are you sure?" he asked, a little too eagerly.
"Sure! We don't betray friends."
"You're incredible," Nathan smiled. Then she pointed excitedly at his car.
"Is that yours?"
"Yeah," he nodded.
"My dad had one like it," she said, running to open the door and hop onto the passenger seat.
"Oh yeah? What kind of car does he have now?" Nathan asked gently.
Emily's voice dropped. "He doesn't… He passed away. My sister said he died when I was two. I don't even remember what he looked like."
Nathan's heart clenched. "I'm… I'm really sorry, Emily."
She shrugged, though sadness tinged her small shoulders. "Don't be. My sister says two wrongs don't make a right. If we're both sad, who'll make things better?"
Nathan smiled softly. "Your sister taught you that?"
"She's my best friend." Emily paused, then added, "Now, plus you."
He laughed. "Well, now that we're best friends, should I teach you to drive?"
"Yes, please!" she squealed.
Nathan checked his watch. "Ah… I'm running late. I was heading home for lunch. Maybe next time?"
Emily gasped. "It's already almost two! You haven't eaten anything!"
"It's okay, I'll grab something later."
"Wait!" she said, running to her bag. She returned with her lunch box. "Here. You take all of it. I already ate the 'Y'. That's enough for me."
"No, no, sweetheart—you need your lunch."
"My sister will be here soon, and I'll eat at home. Please, don't say no to food. That's rude."
Nathan paused, then smiled. "Alright… Thank you."
Emily shook her head. "No, take the whole lunch box. Tomorrow, you bring me food, and I'll bring you koeksisters with your name again. Deal?"
Nathan chuckled. "Deal."
They shook on it.
"Bye, Emily."
"Bye, Mr. Nate! See you tomorrow!"
Just as Nathan drove off, Vicky arrived to pick up her sister. She saw Emily waving excitedly.
"Who was that?" Vicky asked as they began to walk.
"Mr. Nate—he's my friend."
"Let me guess… He's not from your school, is he?"
"Nope! And he has a really cool car," Emily said, pointing. But Vicky's eyes caught sight of a different car disappearing down the street.
"Oh? So he drives, does he?" she said, teasing lightly.
"Did you visit mom? How is she?"
"She's doing really great. She said to tell you to be a good girl—and be careful around strangers."
"Mr. Nate's not a stranger. He's nice! I'll introduce you two tomorrow!"
"Alright," Vicky smiled. "Come on—we've got a birthday party to catch. You're not missing this one."
"Yay!!" Emily shouted, grabbing her sister's hand as they skipped down the sidewalk, unaware of the shadow that had been watching them both.