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There is an effortless elegance to the parkland that flows at the heart of the city. The comfort of a black bench, warm from the steady sun, was one of Kateâs favorite spots to absorb the day and peaceful witness the beauty of a joyful community at play. It was the quickest refuge for her soul during those trying days, and gave quiet reverence when she needed it. She could tackle most challenges head on with a will and determination unmatched, but even she needed a reprieve from time to time. A bit of fresh air was all she ever needed, her lungs expanding as if on automatic refill, and with the rising of her chest comes a sense of calm. The trees providing ample shade, that roots so deep and reaching so high, that take in all variants of weather and bring the gifts of verdant foliage upon brown wands. It told stories of the seasons, one fresh page each day.Â
Of course, Kate would never express such poetic sentiments aloud for fear of tarnishing her image. A city slicker at heart, sheâd always love natureâs sweet and flowery escapes of nature as the pace of living relaxed to a steadier rhythm. Boris and Natasha frolicked merrily over the length of open grass, snapping at butterflies and engaging in playful wrestling matches with one another. It made her yearn for a few days away; it had been a while since sheâd gone trekking through the mountains with her furry companions.Â
Maybe Maggie and Jaime would like to come, she pondered further, or was it premature to suggest meeting the detectiveâs child? Kate didnât want to push.
Her peaceful musings were disrupted as she sensed the presence of someone sinking into in the vacant space beside her. Instantly, the minute glimmer of tranquility that had softened her features stiffened, her resting bitch face regaining its domain. Even from a distance, Boris and Natasha seemed to sense the shift in their ownerâs demeanor. She instantly signaled with lax fingers that they were not required to act as guard dogs and should continue enjoying their playtime. Kate had resigned herself to maintaining a forward stare, but she could feel a set of eyes bore a hole in the side of her face.Â
âCan I help you?â she intoned evenly, lashes fluttering slowly as she turned to address them with a raised brow. âI donât mean to be rude,â yes she did. âBut do you mind sitting somewhere else?â there was at least a dozen other park benches; why did they feel the need to infringe on her sanctity?
Amelia felt a smug smirk tugging at the corner of her lips in response to Kateâs acerbic tone. The defensiveness only served to amuse her - though she did have the sense to give the dogs frolicking close by a wary glance when they paused to look at their owner. âYou might.â She answered vaguely, giving a small shrug in response.
âIf I sat somewhere else, I wouldnât be sitting next to you, Miss Kane.â She noted with a teasing lilt, leaning back in the bench with a self-satisfied smile. âI know youâre face isnât in the papers as much as your cousinâs - but youâre still recognisable from a mile off.â











