Jameson stared at the grainy video, her heart pounding. The woman in the hoodie, the one lurking outside the hospital, had the same distinctive features as the one she'd seen stalking Lindsay.Those eyesA few minutes later, a chilling realization dawned on her. The victim, the mysterious visitor, and the woman stalking Lindsay were all connected. A sinister pattern emerged, a puzzle piece falling into place."It's her," Jameson muttered, her eyes fixed on the screen. "Emerald."''What are you doing in Texas? ''Jameson whispered in the air.''You know her?'' Matinez asked, his brow furrowed in concern. Jameson just looked at the video, not looking at Martinez. ''Ahm, not sure. ''"Ryan, I'm heading back to California. Keep me posted on the Texas case developments.""Hey, E.J., what's going on? Why the rush back to Cali?" Ryan asked, jogging alongside.''Give me the keys.'' Jameson demanded.Ryan handed Jameson the keys. "E.J., what's cooking? Spill the beans."Jameson paused, her mind racing with thoughts of Emerald and the connections she had just uncovered. "I'll explain to you when I'm already sure, but now I have to check this on my own," she finally replied, urgency in her voice as she started the car and sped off towards California.''So ?'' Lindsay started as soon as they sat in the cafe.''Wait, can we order first before we get into it? I'm starving,'' Emeral replied, trying to buy some time to gather her thoughts.What will I tell her now?I am not used to being social.Emerald's thoughts: she's so good at assassinating elite killers, but why's it so hard for her to just make a normal social interaction?Emerald hid her shaking hands underneath the coffee table.Emerald fidgeted, her assassin-trained hands hidden beneath the table. She scanned the menu, avoiding Lindsay's gaze.
Lindsay smirked. "Nervous?"
Emerald's eyes flicked up, piercing green and meeting bright blue. "Starving," she replied, voice low.
The waitress arrived, and Emerald ordered pancakes, her voice smooth.
Lindsay requested a sandwich, her eyes never leaving Emerald's face.
As the waitress departed, Emerald's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Where were we?"
Lindsay leaned in, her voice gentle. "Do pardon me, Emerald. You were about to explain this stalking business?"
Emerald's cheeks flushed. "Right." She paused, collecting thoughts. "I was... protecting someone."Lindsay's curiosity deepened. "Who?"
Emerald's gaze dropped. "Someone precious."
Their eyes met again, sparks flying.
Lindsay's voice softened. "You're intriguing, Emerald. Can you elaborate? I don't see the explanation for stalking me, and reckless driving and kidnapping me connects with protecting someone."
Emerald's face warmed, her hands trembling beneath the table.The waitress returned with their orders, breaking the tension.
As they ate, Emerald stole glances at Lindsay, her shyness battling assassin-honed confidence.
Lindsay caught her gaze, smiling. "If you think you are cute when nervous. You're not, Emerald, so start elaborating."
Emerald sighed. ''My friend, the Uber driver you booked that day had a big debt with someone dangerous. ''Lindsay nodded. ''And?''''That day when we were driving to your place, I saw a motorcycle tailing our car. So I tried to lure him away. That's the main reason why I took the longer route and acted so recklessly." Lindsay's eyes widened, realization dawning. "You risked my life by trying to escape from this man? '' Emerald shook her head. "No, I was trying to protect you. I didn't want anything to happen to you because that man may have thought I was him and you were with me, so I panicked; it was a plain case of mistaken identity." Lindsay's expression softened, understanding the true motive behind Emerald's actions.''So this man was trying to do something to us, and you didn't tell me? '' Lindsay was now looking worried. "I didn't want to worry you until I knew for sure we were safe," Emerald explained, reassuring Lindsay that they were now out of harm's way. Lindsay visibly relaxed, grateful for Emerald's quick thinking and protective instincts.''Just to be clear, I didn't know this either until I returned the car to him and told him what happened, and just the other day he said we were clear, but of course to make sure you are safe, that's why I am following you," Emerald's explained.Of course that's a lie just to get Anderson's trust.''Oh, so you admit now that you are stalking me?Emerald's eyes widened in shock at Lindsay's accusation. "No, I'm just trying to protect you," she clarified, feeling hurt by the misunderstanding.But is she really not? When she has cameras all over Anderson's place?But she keeps convincing herself she's just trying to do what Robert would want her to do. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for deceiving Anderson, which is rare; she didn't even know she had those kind emotions, but she knew she had to keep up the act for now.''How about we tell Detective Jameson about this?'' Lindsay suggested.''NO.'' She couldn't risk blowing her cover and putting herself in danger. Lindsay's suggestion was too risky, and she needed to find another way to handle the situation without jeopardizing her mission.''Why not?'' Lindsay asked, confused, already holding her phone and dialing Detective Jameson.''Hello? Anderson? Are you okay is something happen?'' They both widened their eyes hearing Jameson's voice on the other end of the line.Lindsay quickly hung up her phone from shocked she didn't know Jameson is not that busy for her calls.But her phone rang again.''Explain to me why I won't tell this info to Detective Jameson,'' Lindsay whispered to Emerald before answering the call.'' Hello?''''Anderson, what happened? Are you okay?'' Detective Jameson's voice was clearly in panic.'Ye-yes. Why?'' Lindsay acted like she was caught off guard, trying to buy some time to come up with an excuse. She glanced nervously at Emerald, who raised an eyebrow in silent questioning.''You called me.'' Lindsay's heart raced as she struggled to maintain her composure. "I must have pocket-dialed you by accident," she lied, hoping Detective Jameson would buy it. Emerald shot her a knowing look, silently urging her to handle the situation carefully.''Are you sure you're okay?'' Detective Jameson's concern was evident in her voice. Lindsay forced a laugh, "Yes, I'm fine. Just a little distracted." She quickly want to end the call, hoping to avoid any further questions.''Okay then, if you need something just tell me I'm on my way back to Cali.'' Jameson informed her.''Oh, you're not here?'' Lindsay asked, trying to sound casual. "No, I'm still in Texas, just doing police stuff" Jameson replied.''Oh, I'm sorry. Did I disturb you? '' Lindsay feels guilty for potentially interrupting Jameson's work. She quickly reassured her, Jameson: "Nah, all good. Catch you later. Hey, when I get back to Cali, wanna swing to your place?" Jameson asked.''Oh, of course not. What could be the reason for this visit again? '' Lindsay, ask.'' I just have a few questions about Emerald, your neighbor.'' Jameson replied.''Oh, what about her? '' Lindsay looked at Emerald.Emerald quickly felt something was off. "I'll tell you more when I get There; I am driving; see you when I get there," Jameson said and ended the call.Emerald's eyes locked onto Lindsay's, alarm flashing across her face. "What's going on?" she whispered.''I don't know she said she's going to visit me when she gets back from Texas.' Emerald's mind raced with possibilities as she tried to figure out what Jameson could possibly want to ask about her. And when she heard the word Texas she knows something was up.
Lindsay's expression remained unreadable as she contemplated the impending visit from Jameson and if she would tell Emerald about it, but she decided not; maybe it's just about her nonsense judgement with Emerald. Now that she knows the story of Emerald's recklessness that day, there's no reason to bring it up again.'''Can we walk home now? I think the weather is good for a walk.'' Lindsay offered with a genuine smile that made Emerald stunned. It's the first time she saw Lindsay smile.Her smile is more brighter than the sunrise ,Beautiful Emerald whispered when the sun rays hit Lindsay's face, illuminating her features in a way that made Emerald's heart skip a beat.Emerald touched her chest feeling her heart. She had forgotten she has one.''Are you okay, Emerald? '' Lindsay asked.Emerald's face flushed when she noticed how close Lindsay's face was now.''Yes. Ah.. Are we okay now? ?'' Emerald asked nervously, trying to change the subject. Lindsay nodded, still smiling. ''Mhm.''''That easy?'' Emerald blurted out.''Why ? ''Lindsay chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Because forgiveness is always easier than holding onto grudges," she replied, her smile never faltering.''Eh?''Emerald can't believe how easily Lindsay forgives her after everything that has happened between them.What a weird woman!She said to herselfBut she didn't know Lindsay was touched; knowing she was saved by her and her concern for her friend is evidence of her strong character and genuine friendship. A/N:I am so sorry for late editing just a li'l bit busy ;(