ALEX DAVIS USER
October 21st, 1989.
The water had gone lukewarm, but Alex hadn’t moved.
She lay back in the tub, one arm draped over the edge, the quiet hum of the apartment filling the space.
Then—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Her eyes opened.
Another knock followed, sharper. Not patient.
Alex exhaled, sitting up as water slid down her skin.
“Yeah, yeah…”
She muttered.
She stepped out, drying off quickly. The knocking continued — steady, deliberate.
She left the bathroom, damp footprints trailing behind her as she crossed into her bedroom. The door shut. Drawers opened. Fabric shifted.
A few minutes passed.
The knocking stopped.
That made her pause.
Alex finished dressing, then stepped into the hallway, running a hand through her damp hair.
The apartment felt… wrong.
Too quiet.
Occupied.
She turned into the kitchen—
And stopped.
A man sat at her table like he belonged there.
Manny Pardo leaned back in the chair, relaxed, one arm draped over the backrest. His eyes lifted to her, a slow smile forming.
“Hey.”
He said.
“Door was open.”
Alex leaned against the doorway, arms crossing.
“You always let yourself in, or am I special?”
His smile widened slightly.
“Depends. You feeling special?”
She ignored that. Just watched him.
“Name’s Manny Pardo.”
He said.
“Miami PD.”
A slight tilt of his head.
“And you are?”
“Alex.”
He repeated it, slower.
“Alex... Do you happen to know where Ash Davis is at?”
She stepped into the kitchen.
“..So why are you looking for Ash?”
A flicker crossed his eyes, gone just as fast.
“Just some questions.”
He said.
“Guy’s hard to find.”
“Then you’re in the wrong place.”
“Not here?”
“No.”
Silence stretched.
His gaze stayed on her — steady, deliberate.
“You always this welcoming?”
He asked.
“You always this invasive?”
A quiet chuckle left him.
“I like the attitude.”
“Good. Take it with you when you leave.”
He didn’t move.
Instead, his eyes drifted over her — damp hair, fresh clothes, lingering warmth. Not subtle.
Alex noticed.
Didn’t call it out.
“You were busy.”
He said.
“Something like that.”
Another pause.
“You live here alone?”
He asked.
“You already made yourself at home. Figure it out.”
That earned a small grin.
“Gotta say..”
He went on, leaning forward slightly.
“Not what I expected.”
“Yeah? What were you expecting?”
He held her gaze.
“Not someone interesting.”
She tilted her head.
“That your detective work, or a pickup line?”
“Why not both?”
Of course.
Alex let out a quiet breath.
“You done?”
Manny leaned back again, completely at ease.
“Depends.”
On what, he didn’t say.
Instead—
“There’s a cafe down the street.”
He added.
“Quiet place.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“…You asking me out?”
“Maybe.”
No hesitation.
He watched her, patient, like he already knew he wasn’t leaving empty-handed.
“Coffee.”
He said.
“You, me. No breaking in this time.”
A beat passed.
Then—
“…So?”