The neon sign of Carmichael's Diner buzzed a manic, flickering orange against the suffocating November gloom.

The sirens wailing in the distance grew louder, turning the dark sky into a flashing rhythm of red and blue.

Mave stood outside the warehouse gates, leaning against the fender of her battered 1998 Honda Civic. The morning air was crisp, carrying the clean scent of the ocean rather than the rot of the alleyways. Caesar sat right beside her, resting his heavy head affectionately against her knee.

Dante walked out of the warehouse, adjusting the cuffs of his freshly repaired suit. He stopped a few feet away, looking at her with an expression that was entirely unreadable—until a genuine, warm smile broke across his striking features.

"The federal marshals are taking over," Dante said quietly. "My assets are unfrozen. Viktor's network is dismantled."

"Good," Mave said, slipping her hands into the pockets of her jacket. "Because Carmichael's Diner opens for breakfast in two hours, and I need to figure out if I'm calling in sick again or quitting entirely."

Dante chuckled, a rich, genuine sound. He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a sleek, heavy leather folder, holding it out toward her.

"What's this?" Mave asked, eyeing it suspiciously.

"A gesture of gratitude," Dante said. "The deed to the entire commercial block where Carmichael's Diner sits. And a managerial contract for the new waterfront restaurant I'm opening downtown. Complete with full dental, better hours, and zero greasy kitchen floors."

Mave stared at the folder, then up at Dante. "You bought my diner?"

"I bought the building," Dante corrected with a wink. "You earned it."

He whistled softly, and Caesar stood up, trotting over to Dante's side—though the dog cast one final, affectionate look back at Mave, giving his tail a lazy wag.

"Are you coming?" Dante asked, turning toward a sleek, black chauffeured sedan that had just pulled up alongside the curb.

Mave looked down at her worn sneakers, then at her trusty 1998 Honda Civic, and finally up at the bright morning sun breaking over the city skyline. She tossed her car keys into the air, caught them with a grin, and tossed them straight into the Civic's open window.