Julius dropped onto the couch, a few paper bags still tucked under his arms. He let his head fall back against the cushion and stared at the ceiling.
"Damn it," he muttered. "I was so close to catching that crime boss."
He clicked his tongue, bitterness settling in his chest. His eyes drifted shut until he heard the front door unlock. He opened them and tilted his head.
Walking in was a woman with short black hair tied loosely at the back, a few strands falling freely along the sides of her face.
Alyssa. Julius's wife.
She dropped onto the couch beside him without a word. And just like him, she slumped back in exhaustion.
"Eli." That was the first thing out of her mouth. "Where is he?"
Julius grunted. "At your parents' house."
"Again?" A thread of exhaustion ran through her voice. "Did something happen?"
"Got a tip," he muttered. "Came to nothing."
"I see."
