Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT ELENA DISAPPEARED
Elena received a message at 8:14 p.m.
It appeared to come from Margaret.
Eli left his dinosaur in the old greenhouse. Can you collect it before bedtime?
Elena hesitated.
The greenhouse was outside the main security perimeter.
She called Margaret.
No answer.
Then another message arrived.
Please hurry.
Elena looked toward Eli, who was playing with Noah in the family room.
She didn't want to disturb them.
She asked one of the independent security officers to accompany her.
But before they reached the greenhouse, the officer received an urgent radio call.
A vehicle had approached the service gate.
Elena stopped.
Something felt wrong.
Then a figure emerged from the shadows.
Daniel Cross.
He smiled.
“Elena.”
She stepped back.
“What are you doing here?”
Daniel raised his hands.
“Relax.”
She looked toward the path.
“I'm leaving.”
His smile faded.
“Not yet.”
Elena's heart pounded.
He stepped closer.
“I need to know what Cole found.”
She stared.
“I don't know.”
Daniel sighed.
“Don't lie.”
Elena moved backward.
Then reached for her phone.
Daniel lunged.
She screamed.
The sound carried across the garden.
May you like
Inside the mansion, Cole heard it.
And for the first time in years, the man who never hurried began to run.
