Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN BEHIND THE EVIDENCE
Marcus was arrested in Milwaukee before sunrise.
He did not resist.
That frightened Emily more than if he had fought.
People who surrendered easily usually had another plan.
Adrian knew it too.
The evidence against Marcus was overwhelming.
But the case was not finished.
Emily had to testify.
She sat inside a courtroom three weeks later.
Daniel was there.
Marcus was there.
Several powerful men were there.
Men who had spent years believing no one could touch them.
Emily walked to the witness stand.
Her hands trembled.
Adrian sat behind her.
He did not speak.
He did not need to.
She knew he was there.
The prosecutor asked about Daniel.
Emily answered.
The first question was easy.
The second was harder.
The third made her remember everything.
The apartment.
The locked door.
The bruises.
The threats.
The file.
Daniel stared at her.
For the first time, he looked afraid.
Not of Adrian.
Of the truth.
When Emily finished testifying, she walked outside.
Adrian waited on the courthouse steps.
“You did well.”
“I almost threw up.”
“That’s normal.”
“Is it?”
“Yes.”
She looked at him.
“Have you ever testified in court?”
“No.”
“Then how do you know?”
“I’ve made people testify.”
She stared.
“Adrian.”
“What?”
“That was not comforting.”
He almost smiled.
They stood in silence.
Then Emily asked:
“What happens now?”
“Now the truth becomes public.”
“And your family?”
Adrian looked toward the city.
“My father’s name will be destroyed.”
“Are you okay with that?”
“No.”
“Then why do it?”
“Because Michael deserved the truth.”
Emily looked at him.
“And you?”
Adrian turned toward her.
“What about me?”
“Who protects you?”
He said nothing.
Emily stepped closer.
“You spent your entire life protecting everyone else.”
Adrian looked away.
Emily touched his hand.
He went still.
It was the first time she had touched him voluntarily.
His fingers closed gently around hers.
No force.
No control.
Just warmth.
Emily looked at him.
“Are you afraid?”
“Yes.”
The honesty surprised her.
“Of what?”
“Losing you.”
Her heart stopped.
Adrian looked at her.
“I know you don’t belong to me.”
“I don’t.”
“I know.”
“I’m not something you can protect and keep.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you afraid?”
“Because I want you to stay.”
Emily stared at him.
Adrian continued:
“But I won’t ask you to.”
She felt tears fill her eyes.
Three years ago, Daniel had told her love meant ownership.
Adrian was teaching her that love could mean choice.
Emily stepped closer.
Then kissed him.
It was gentle.
Brief.
But Adrian went completely still.
When she pulled away, he looked stunned.
Emily almost smiled.
“What?”
He shook his head.
“Nothing.”
“Liar.”
“Yes.”
She laughed.
For the first time in years, she felt free.
Then her phone rang.
Unknown number.
Emily answered.
A voice whispered:
“Marcus was never the last one.”
The call ended.
Emily looked at Adrian.
His expression had changed.
A message appeared on her phone.
COME TO THE BAR WHERE IT STARTED. ALONE.
Adrian read it.
“No.”
Emily looked at him.
“I’m going.”
“Not alone.”
The message changed.
IF BLACKWELL COMES, SOMEONE DIES.
Emily's blood turned cold.
Adrian stared at the screen.
May you like
Then said:
“Now we know where the final trap is.”
