This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

The rain drummed against the windows of Marcus Chen's apartment with the persistence of an unwelcome memory. Twenty-eight floors above the streets of downtown Seattle, he stood motionless in the darkness, watching the city pulse with its neon heartbeat. The digital clock on his nightstand cast a harsh blue glow: 3:47 AM. Sleep had become a stranger to him over the past six months, ever since the night that changed everything.

Marcus pressed his palm against the cool glass, his reflection ghostlike in the window. The scar that ran from his left temple to his jawline caught the city's ambient light, a permanent reminder of his failure. Detective Sarah Williams had died because he hadn't been fast enough, hadn't seen the threat until it was too late. The official report called it an unfortunate casualty of police work, but Marcus knew the truth. He had let his guard down for one crucial moment, and an innocent woman had paid the price.

The Seattle Police Department had offered him counseling, time off, even a commendation for his bravery in pursuing the armed robbery suspects through three city blocks. But none of that mattered. Nothing could bring Sarah back or erase the image of her falling, her hand reaching out for help that came a heartbeat too late.

Marcus turned away from the window and walked to his dresser, where a manila folder lay unopened. Inside were the details of his resignation from the force, paperwork that would officially end his eight-year career as a detective. He had been one of the youngest officers ever promoted to the rank, a rising star who solved cases others couldn't crack. Now, at thirty-two, he felt ancient and hollowed out, carrying guilt that weighed more than any badge ever had.