For The Thrill of it. A Michael Stone adventure.

Previously

…Michael looked at Rita. She nodded. “Let's do it.” They finished their coffee, paid, and walked to the bus station. The morning was bright, the city waking up around them. Michael felt the weight of the rifle under his jacket, the ledger page in his pocket, and Rita's hand in his. The bus came. They boarded, found seats in the back. Rita leaned against the window, her eyes closing as the bus pulled away. Michael watched the city slide past. The river. The bridge. And beyond it, the sea—and the ship that would take them home. For now, they were safe. It was enough. And the thrill? It was still there, quiet but present, like a heartbeat in the distance.