HIS PROMISE

Richie leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he thought about the conversation he needed to have. He had just finished his call with Leah, and the lingering concern in her voice kept echoing in his mind. He never knew Alex wasn’t someone to underestimate, and it was time to make sure Leah was protected at all costs, not knowing how far he might go.

He picked up his phone and dialed Dazzle. The ringing seemed to go on forever, and Richie tapped his fingers impatiently on the desk, waiting for Dazzle to pick up. Finally, the line connected.

“Yo, Richie!” Dazzle’s voice boomed through the phone, cheerful as always.

“Daz, we need to talk,” Richie said, his tone more serious than usual.

“What’s up, man?” Dazzle replied, the cheerfulness fading a bit as he sensed Richie’s mood.

Richie exhaled slowly. “It’s about Leah. I need you to make sure the guards are always around her, day and night. No slipping, no gaps. I don’t want anything to happen to her while I’m away.”

Dazzle’s voi