Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT THE ESTATE WENT DARK
The power failed at 11:42 p.m.
Adrien was in his library.
Marco was reviewing security reports.
And Isabella had returned to the estate for a scheduled meeting with investigators and attorneys.
The lights went out.
Then the emergency system activated.
Marco reached for his radio.
"Security?"
Static.
Adrien stood.
"Where's Isabella?"
Marco looked toward the corridor.
"Guest wing."
Adrien moved quickly.
Isabella had been reviewing documents when the lights failed.
She heard footsteps outside.
Then a door closing.
She picked up her phone.
No signal.
Someone knocked.
"Miss Bennett?"
She froze.
The voice was unfamiliar.
"Who is it?"
"Security."
She looked toward the door.
"What's your name?"
Silence.
Then the handle moved.
Isabella backed away.
She remembered her father's last phone call.
The warehouse.
The threats.
The men who had tried to abduct her.
She moved toward the bathroom and locked the door.
Footsteps entered the bedroom.
A drawer opened.
Then another.
Someone was searching the room.
Isabella pressed a hand over her mouth.
Minutes later, she heard Adrien's voice.
"Isabella?"
Her eyes filled.
"Adrien?"
"Are you hurt?"
"No."
"Stay where you are."
Security personnel had intercepted an intruder in the hallway.
Police were called.
The intruder was detained.
Adrien waited until officers confirmed the area was safe.
Then he opened the bathroom door.
Isabella stepped out.
Her face was pale.
He looked at her.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded.
Then shook her head.
Adrien opened his arms.
She stepped into them.
For the first time, he held her without pretending it meant nothing.
She whispered:
"I thought they found me."
Adrien closed his eyes.
"I know."
He held her tighter.
Outside, emergency lights flashed against the windows.
May you like
And Adrien realized the danger wasn't over.
Not until Daniel Mercer was found.
