Chapter 19 - Is Penance Enough?

"Ristel, I promised not to bother you unless it's truly necessary," Dervel's voice came through the receiver, tinged with concern. "It's about Jasmine. She might be in danger."

The silence on the other end was disheartening, but Dervel pressed on. "What do you say? Can I count on you?" He held his breath, waiting for a response.

"Where is she now?" Ristel, never one to answer questions, replied with a question of his own.

"Downpour," Dervel carefully pronounced the name of the town where Jasmine lived. "Thank you, Ristel." He added his gratitude before the line abruptly disconnected. He took solace in the fact that, from now on, his daughter would be safe.

[at Jenn's place]

Jenn gazed at Samuel's photograph and nervously bit her lip. With each passing moment, her longing for his presence grew stronger. She knew that her very existence depended on winning him over.

"I can't keep myself away from you any longer. I need you now!" she whispered, as if Samuel were there with her, kiss