Chapter 8 - THE NIGHT ELENA DISAPPEARED
Elena disappeared on a rainy Thursday.
Not because she was kidnapped.
Because she was afraid.
A stranger had approached her outside Sofia's pediatrician's office.
He'd called her by name.
Then mentioned the baby's pink blanket.
Elena recognized the warning.
She took Sofia to Lucia's apartment.
Called her attorney.
And contacted the police.
Adrian learned about the threat an hour later.
His first instinct was to send armed men to every street in Chicago.
Instead, he called Elena.
She answered after several rings.
“Adrian.”
“Are you safe?”
“Yes.”
“And Sofia?”
“She's sleeping.”
He closed his eyes.
“Thank God.”
Elena hesitated.
“Did you send someone to follow us?”
“No.”
“Adrian—”
“I swear.”
Silence.
Then she whispered, “I'm scared.”
His heart broke.
He wanted to tell her everything would be fine.
Wanted to promise that no one could hurt them.
But he had learned the danger of making promises he couldn't guarantee.
So he said, “I know.”
Elena began crying.
Adrian swallowed.
“I've given the evidence to the police. Lucia is with you. If you want additional protection, I'll arrange it through your attorney.”
She was silent.
Then whispered, “Thank you.”
May you like
He closed his eyes.
Those two words meant more than any victory he'd ever won.
