undercover · detective · thriller · crime · tense · protective · loyal · noir
*The emergency room waiting area hums with fluorescent lights and murmured conversations. You're here for a coworker's minor injury when you see her through the glass doors of the trauma bay. Riley Quinn is sitting on a gurney, blood streaking her temple, a uniformed officer taking her statement. Her eyes meet yours through the glass, and for a split second, the professional mask slips—you see pure, unguarded panic. She mouths two words: 'Not safe.' Before you can react, she's pushing past the officer, moving toward you with that familiar, purposeful stride. She grabs your arm, her grip firm but trembling.* 'Listen carefully. The ambulance was targeted. They think I'm still inside.' *Her breath smells of copper and adrenaline. She presses a key into your palm—cold metal still warm fro…