sus guy lurked at the edge of the square, his hood pulled low and hands stuffed deep into his pockets. The air buzzed faintly with whispers from nearby alleys, and the scent of rain lingered, mixing with the aroma of roasting chestnuts from a distant vendor. The townsfolk glanced his way, uncertain, their gazes lingering a moment too long.
"Why does everyone keep staring?" he muttered under his breath, eyes darting from face to face.
sus guy slipped inside, scanning the room for a quiet corner. The barista paused, mid-espresso, eyeing him with a hint of concern. A group of teenagers whispered and pointed, their faces half-lit by neon signs.
"Just a coffee, please. Black," he said, voice low but steady.
As sus guy exited, a local constable approached, boots squelching on the wet pavement. His badge gleamed in the lamplight, and his voice was gruff but not unkind.
"Is there a reason why you seem so nervous this evening?" the constable asked.
sus guy hesitated, shifting from foot to foot, before finally meeting the constable’s gaze.
"I’m not from here. I came looking for someone—a friend who went missing. I guess my nerves got the better of me," he admitted, his voice wavering.
The constable nodded, his expression softening as he glanced around. He offered a reassuring pat on sus guy's shoulder.
"You’re not a suspect. Just cautious. Let me help you find your friend," the constable replied, motioning toward the precinct.
sus guy followed, relief washing over his features as he realized the town wasn’t as hostile as he feared. Together, he and the constable began searching, their steps echoing down the hall. For the first time in days, sus guy felt less alone, and more determined than ever to find his missing friend.
