The Escape
900 Words
The phone slipped from Emery’s hand. The call lasted less than ten seconds but it changed everything. Someone knew Julian’s secret.
Someone knew about the transplant. The lies. Everything. Pier 17. Tomorrow night. Come alone. She stared out the penthouse window. The city lights blurred as her heart pounded in her chest. She thought about telling someone.
Claire? No Claire was too weak. Viola? She didn’t trust Julian or her. He was the last person she could trust.
She didn’t sleep that night. Her mind kept spinning. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Claire in that hospital bed, pale and helpless.
Was Julian helping her? Or using her?
The next morning was gray and cold. Emery moved through the penthouse like a ghost. Julian wasn’t there. Just a hot cup of coffee on the counter and her daily schedule on the tablet.
She didn’t care. She ignored it all. Her phone buzzed once.
LEO: “You okay, Mrs. Ice Queen?” She didn’t reply. Because no she wasn’t okay.
She waited all day. Then, at 10:53 p.m., she dressed in black jeans, a hoodie, and sneakers. No fancy clothes tonight. She needed to disappear.
She sneaked out quietly and took a cab downtown. The driver didn’t ask questions. She didn’t offer answers.
Pier 17 was almost empty. The night air was sharp. Waves hit the dock gently. Streetlights flickered. Shadows danced between metal containers and wooden crates.
She held her phone tightly. “Hello?” she called. Silence. Then a man stepped out of the shadows. Tall. In his thirties. Leather jacket. Sharp eyes. “Emery Walker?” he asked. She nodded slowly.
“I’m James,” he said. “I used to work for Julian. Not anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was his investigator. I looked into your family history. Your sister. Your father’s estate.”
Emery’s chest tightened. “Why?” James pulled a flash drive from his pocket. “Because Julian needed control. And he found it through Claire.”
“What did he find?”
“Your sister’s illness is rare. Genetic. Your father knew it. He was involved in a secret research group years ago. Experimental medicine. Hidden files. But it was all part of his will.”
“I saw the email,” Emery said. Her voice shook. “The transplant. The DNA match. Me.”
James nodded. “You were the match. Claire’s only chance. Julian couldn’t force you so he married you.”
Tears filled her eyes. “He said he wanted to help her.”
“He did,” James said. “But not out of love. It was a strategy. You were the key.” Emery stared at him. “Why are you telling me this?”
“I have a daughter,” James said softly. “If someone used her like this, I’d want someone to speak up.”
“What do I do?” He gave her the flash drive. “Use this. Expose him. Or leave. But stop pretending you’re safe.” Footsteps echoed behind them.
Emery turned. Julian stood at the edge of the dock. His face was calm. Too calm. “You followed me,” Emery whispered.
Julian didn’t even look at her. His eyes were on James. “I warned you.” James raised his hands. “We’re just talking.”
“You shouldn’t be near her.”
“Funny,” James said. “You don’t treat her like someone you care about.” Julian pulled a gun from his coat. Emery gasped. “Julian, no!” James stepped back. “Still protecting him?”
Julian’s voice was ice. “You should’ve disappeared when you had the chance.”
“And she should’ve known the truth.” Julian didn’t blink. “Goodbye, James.” A shot rang out. Emery screamed. James dropped to the ground.
Blood spilled across the dock. Julian stood still, the gun in his hand, breathing hard. Then he turned to Emery.
She couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak. “You– You killed him.”
Julian’s voice was quiet. “He lied to you.”
“He told me the truth.” He stepped closer. “You don’t understand.”
“Don’t come closer.”
“Let me explain.”
“You murdered someone!”
“I protected you.”
“No! You lied. You used me!” His voice cracked. “I had no choice!”
“There’s always a choice,” she said. He looked like she’d stabbed him. But she didn’t care. She ran. Julian shouted her name. Begged her to stop but she didn’t stop.
She ran into the night.
The next morning, Julian stood in his study. Alone. The spot on the wall in front of him was empty. Emery was gone. No note. No message.
Just the diamond bracelet was left on the bed and the flash drive was gone with her.
A knock broke the silence. Viola stepped in, holding her phone. “We have a problem,” she said. Julian didn’t turn around. “What now?”
She showed him the screen. A photo of Emery. On a train. With Leo. Julian’s voice was cold. Low. “She ran to him.”
Viola tilted her head. “What do you want to do?” He turned slowly. His eyes were full of rage. “Find them.”
- Writer
