Chapter 38:
The morning arrived cold and bright.
For the first time in weeks, Dallas woke beneath a clear winter sky.
Emily stood before the mirror in the hospital restroom, smoothing the sleeves of her cream-colored sweater.
She looked tired.
The dark circles beneath her eyes told the story of sleepless nights.
But there was something different now.
Resolve.
She slipped Grace’s silver compass into her coat pocket.
Then tucked the black journal safely into her bag.
Today, she wasn’t going to run.
⸻
“You’re really going?”
Victor folded his arms as Emily stepped into Zach’s hospital room.
“Yes.”
“It’s exactly what Evelyn wants.”
Emily nodded.
“I know.”
Alexander stepped forward.
“Then let us come with you.”
“If she sees anyone else, she’ll disappear.”
Detective Reed adde
