Chapter 14: The Echoes of the Past**
Despite the tranquility, the scars of his past life remained etched into Marcus’s skin. Some nights, nightmares of dark warehouses and ringing gunfire would wake him in a cold sweat. He would walk through the quiet cottage, checking the window locks and listening to the rhythmic breathing of Lily sleeping peacefully in her room.
One afternoon while walking through the local seaside market, Marcus noticed a man in a dark trench coat watching them from across the street. Instinct honed by fifteen years of survival kicked in instantly. Marcus stepped casually in front of Lily, shielding her with his body while his eyes tracked the stranger's hands.
The man crossed the street and stopped ten feet away, keeping his hands visibly outside his coat. It was Agent Miller, a seasoned federal investigator Marcus had crossed paths with a decade ago.
"Nice town," Miller said quietly, looking out toward the harbor. "Quiet. Good place to raise a kid."
Marcus kept his posture relaxed, though every muscle was ready to strike. "Can I help you, sir?"
Miller looked down at Lily, who was busy eating a strawberry ice cream cone, completely oblivious to the tension. He then looked back at Marcus’s eyes—eyes that held no malice, only fierce, protective love.
Miller reached into his coat, pulled out a manila folder marked *VANCE, MARCUS - CASE CLOSED: DECEASED*, and dropped it into a nearby trash bin.
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"Just enjoying the view, Mr. Cole," Miller said with a nod. "Have a good life."
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