Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO CAME RUNNING
Cole reached the greenhouse with Anthony and two security officers.
Daniel had grabbed Elena's arm.
She was struggling to break free.
Cole stopped several feet away.
“Let her go.”
Daniel turned.
His face changed.
“Cole.”
“Now.”
Daniel tightened his grip.
“You don't understand.”
Cole's voice remained steady.
“I understand enough.”
Daniel looked toward the officers.
Then released Elena.
She stumbled backward.
Anthony moved between them.
Elena was shaking.
Cole approached carefully.
“Are you hurt?”
She shook her head.
“I'm okay.”
But her voice broke.
Cole looked toward Daniel.
For a moment, anger consumed him.
He wanted to hurt the man who had threatened Elena.
The man who had frightened Noah.
The man who might have been responsible for Claire's death.
But Elena touched his arm.
“Cole.”
He looked at her.
“Don't.”
He stared.
She continued.
“Your son needs you.”
The words stopped him.
Cole looked toward the mansion.
Noah was inside.
Waiting.
Afraid.
Cole stepped back.
Then told Anthony:
“Call the police.”
Daniel laughed bitterly.
“You're going to hand me over?”
Cole looked at him.
“Yes.”
May you like
Daniel's smile disappeared.
For the first time, he seemed to understand that the man he'd manipulated for years was no longer willing to protect him.
