Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO FOUND HER
Emma was rescued the following morning.
Investigators traced the van through traffic cameras and toll records.
A warehouse outside the city became the focus of the search.
Police obtained the necessary authorization and entered the building.
Emma was found in a locked office.
Frightened.
Exhausted.
But alive.
Nolan had fled hours earlier.
Adrian arrived at the hospital after Emma was examined.
He stopped outside her room.
Then knocked.
Emma looked up.
He signed:
May I come in?
She nodded.
He entered slowly.
His eyes moved toward the bruises on her wrists.
His expression tightened.
Emma signed:
I'm okay.
Adrian shook his head.
You shouldn't have had to endure this.
She looked down.
They wanted me to lie about you.
He nodded.
I know.
Emma swallowed.
I didn't.
Adrian's eyes softened.
Thank you.
She stared at him.
Then signed:
I wasn't protecting your reputation.
He paused.
She continued.
I was protecting the truth.
Adrian smiled faintly.
That's why I'm thanking you.
He sat beside her bed.
For a long time, neither spoke.
Then Emma signed:
I was scared.
Adrian nodded.
I know.
I thought they would kill me.
His face changed.
He reached toward her hand.
Then stopped.
He waited.
Emma looked at him.
May you like
Slowly, she placed her hand in his.
And for the first time since that terrible night at the mansion, she felt safe.
