Next Time

14. Next Time

"Mr. Carl, it's really great that you're okay."

Hearing the NCPD officer in front of her, Carl gave a slight nod. He paid no mind to the fact that the NCPD had unknowingly begun calling him by his real name rather than his title. After briefly studying the young woman before him, he recognized her.

Carl smiled. "You're Emily, right? Long time no see. How has your grandpa's business been these past few days? I was thinking of dropping by for a bite when I had the time."

The young woman named Emily standing before Carl was a rookie who had joined the NCPD a year ago. She and Carl did have some history. Whenever the KK Squad ate at street stalls, they often visited Old William's Hotdog Stand. Old William, the owner, was this young NCPD officer's grandfather.

Carl remembered that this young woman was also best friends with Mr. Johnson's niece. The slogans at Old William's Hotdog Stand had been spray-painted by the two of them.

Noticing how Carl looked directly at her when asking about her grandfather, Emily's breathing caught slightly.

Meeting that handsome, sharply defined face, her cheeks uncontrollably flushed. Her fingertips absentmindedly wound around the ends of her hair, and her voice carried barely concealed delight:

"Grandpa has been in great health lately. He even specifically mentioned Mr. Carl a few days ago." She paused, her eyelashes trembling lightly. "He said he got some new flatbread flavors and was just waiting for you to come try them whenever you had time."

At the mention of food, Carl's eyes gleamed like melted amber. "New flatbread?" He drew out the words as if he could already smell the familiar aroma. "I've always trusted Old William's cooking. Pass on a message for me—tell him I'll