Chapter 1: Introduction
The neon lights of Chinatown flickered like a pulsating heartbeat, casting an eerie glow on the damp streets. The air was thick with the smell of fried rice and char siu, a stark contrast to the chill that clung to the pavement. Vincent walked briskly, hands tucked into the pockets of his leather jacket, his breath visible in the crisp night air. The city never slept, and neither did he. Not anymore.
He paused at the entrance of the Golden Dragon, the scent of incense and the murmur of voices within drawing him in.
The restaurant was a relic from his past, a place he hadn't stepped into since he was a kid, back when his world was simpler. Back when he was just a kid with a crush on the lawyer's daughter.
Ava.
Her name was as familiar as the taste of his mother's cooking, as comforting as the faded photographs in his wallet. He hadn't seen her in years, but the memory of her laughter was as clear as if it were yesterday.
The bell above the door chimed as he stepped inside. The warmth enveloped him, a stark contrast to the cold night outside.
The room was filled with the hum of conversation, the clinking of chopsticks against bowls, and the sizzle of food being cooked in the kitchen. Vincent scanned the room, his eyes landing on a familiar face.
Ava was seated at a table by the window, her head bent over a stack of papers. She was engrossed in her work, her brow furrowed in concentration. She looked up just then, her eyes meeting his. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Her face broke into a wide smile, and she stood up, waving him over.
"Vincent!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise and delight.
"What are you doing here?"
Vincent approached her table, a small smile playing on his lips. "I could ask you the same thing," he said, his eyes scanning the papers strewn across the table. "Still saving the world, one case at a time?"
Ava chuckled, gathering the papers into a neat pile. "Something like that," she replied, her eyes never leaving his face. "I was just going through some case notes. I swear, if I see another dim sum container, I'm going to scream."
Vincent laughed, a sound that was both foreign and familiar to his ears.
"Well, I'm glad to see some things never change."
Ava's smile softened, her gaze lingering on him. "It's been a while, Vincent," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've missed you."
Vincent felt a pang in his chest, a sensation he hadn't felt in a long time. He quickly pushed it aside, replacing it with a nonchalant shrug. "I've been around," he replied, his voice casual. "Just been busy, you know how it is."
Ava's eyes narrowed, a look of skepticism crossing her face.
"Busy with what, Vincent?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. "You've always been a man of mystery, but even you can't expect me to believe that."
Vincent's smile faded, and he shifted slightly in his seat, the weight of her words settling over him like a heavy cloak. He shrugged, his eyes scanning the room before settling back on her. "Just work," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You know how it is, long hours, never-ending deadlines."
Ava leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving his face.