Chapter 10 - The Tide Turns ForeverThe sun was sinking below the Manhattan skyline, painting the river in strokes of violet, crimson, and gold.
From the bow of a sleek, high-speed patrol craft cutting through the choppy waters of the East River, Norma looked down at the glittering expanse of the harbor. The wind whipped her dark hair around her face, but she didn't blink. She didn't flinch.
Beside her stood Joseph, his hand resting casually on the rail, watching her with a gaze full of quiet awe.
"You know," Joseph said over the roar of the twin engines, "when you pulled that dog out of the water six months ago, I thought I was saving a stray."
Norma turned her head, catching his eye, the ghost of a smile playing on her lips.
"And what do you think I am now?" she asked.
Joseph reached out, gently adjusting the collar of her coat against the evening chill, his touch lingering for a beat too long.
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"You're the storm, Norma," he whispered, his voice steady against the howling wind. "And I’m just smart enough to stay out of your way."
As the boat accelerated into the deepening dusk, cutting straight through the heart of the tide with absolute authority, Norma laughed—a bright, fearless sound that drowned out the roar of
