Chapter 18 - The Message
Two years after their wedding, Jackson's phone vibrated during breakfast.
Unknown number.
His body froze.
Emily noticed immediately.
“What is it?”
He looked at the screen.
For one terrible second, the past returned.
Then he opened the message.
It was from Marcus.
TURN ON THE NEWS.
Jackson did.
Victor Langford's final appeal had been denied.
The remaining members of his network had received their sentences.
The case was officially closed.
Emily sat silently.
“It's over?”
Jackson nodded.
“It's over.”
She began crying.
Not from fear.
From relief.
Jackson crossed the kitchen and held her.
For years, unknown numbers had meant danger.
Today, one finally meant freedom.
Emily looked toward the window.
Morning sunlight filled the room.
“Do you ever think about the hotel?”
“Sometimes.”
“The elevator?”
“Yes.”
She smiled.
“I thought that was the last time I'd ever see you.”
Jackson kissed her forehead.
“It was the last time you ever had to leave me.”
Emily rested her head against his chest.
Then a child's voice called from upstairs.
“Mommy!”
Emily smiled.
Jackson looked toward the staircase.
Their daughter appeared carrying a stuffed rabbit.
She ran toward them.
Jackson lifted her.
May you like
Emily wrapped her arms around both of them.
And for the first time, the family they had almost been denied was complete.
