Takeshi received a message in the middle of the morning.
[Ophélia] Can you come for a walk with me today? I found a place near the river that I want to see.
Takeshi read it twice.
'Stepping out of our routine could expose her...'
He remembered the conversation he had with her.
'But I think she really needs to clear her head...'
He replied yes.
'If something happens, I'll have my phone ready to call Aoi or Nyx.'
They left at four o'clock and headed toward the place. Ophélia carried a bag and walked at a more relaxed pace than usual. She explained that she had seen a picture of the place in a library book, a stretch of river with trees along the bank and an old stone bridge, and that she wanted to see it in person.
Takeshi walked beside her with his attention divided between the conversation and their surroundings. He kept an eye on the people passing by, the side alleys, any figure that slowed down or changed direction for no apparent reason.
