Chapter 4 - THE HOUSE BENEATH THE CITY
The dead-end alley had a hidden entrance.
A narrow steel door behind a row of old storage bins.
It led to a service corridor beneath an abandoned theater.
Years earlier, Evelyn had used the passage while helping women escape abusive and dangerous situations.
The underground network connected to several community shelters.
When Claire called her mother from a borrowed phone, Evelyn had arranged a safe route.
No cameras.
No public entrances.
No security guards loyal to Alexander.
Claire had reached the clinic just in time.
Now, five days later, she sat in a small apartment above the shelter.
Hope slept in a bassinet beside the window.
Evelyn entered carrying tea.
“Alexander knows you're alive.”
Claire looked up.
Her expression tightened.
“Did you tell him where I am?”
“No.”
Claire exhaled.
“Thank you.”
Evelyn sat beside her.
“He's looking for you.”
Claire looked toward the baby.
“I know.”
A pause.
Then she whispered:
“He never looked for me when I was standing right in front of him.”
May you like
Evelyn took her hand.
And for a long moment, neither woman spoke.
