Emma stood at the window of the safe house, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the bulletproof glass. The world outside continued its normal rhythm, oblivious to the turmoil within these walls. Six weeks had passed since the shooting, six weeks of living in this unfamiliar space under constant protection.
Tom's warm hand on her shoulder startled her from her reverie. "What are you thinking about?" he asked gently.
Emma leaned back against him, drawing comfort from his solid presence. "Just wondering how much longer we'll be here," she sighed. "The trial seems so far away, yet too close at the same time."
"We'll get through this," Tom assured her, though Emma could hear the uncertainty in his voice. "One day at a time, remember?"
A knock at the door made them both turn. Detective Rami
