Chapter 11 - THE SISTER WHO CAME HOME
Elena DeLuca lived under a different name in a small Wisconsin town.
She worked at a community center helping vulnerable families.
She had escaped the trafficking network years earlier with Rebecca's assistance.
But she believed returning to Chicago would put others in danger.
She had also been told Roman was involved in the operation.
The lie had kept them apart for eleven years.
When investigators confirmed Elena's identity and arranged a meeting, Roman traveled to Wisconsin.
Genevieve accompanied him.
They arrived at a modest house surrounded by trees.
Elena stood on the porch.
Roman stopped walking.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Elena whispered:
"Roman?"
He crossed the yard.
She ran toward him.
They embraced.
Eleven years of grief collapsed into a single moment.
Roman held his sister as though afraid she might disappear again.
Genevieve turned away, giving them privacy.
Later, Elena told them what happened.
She had uncovered the trafficking operation.
The Witmores arranged her abduction.
She escaped with Rebecca's help.
But threats against witnesses kept her hidden.
Roman listened.
Then whispered:
"I'm sorry I didn't find you."
Elena took his hand.
"You didn't know where to look."
May you like
He nodded.
And for the first time in eleven years, he allowed himself to believe his sister was truly home.
