Page 29 of Out to Find Freedom

“I think you can’t do anything without proof, and some texts won’t do without a photo. What makes things hard is how this woman isn’t willin’ for help. What’s stopping her? There’s more we need to find out, but for now, I’ll get what I can on Lenny and Gloria. Give you a call when I have it.”

Relief was instant. Some of the tightness in my chest lessened. Fucking hell, I’d made the right choice by bringing him in. Yeah, we could do our own background work, but I was sure Lan could do it faster. Besides, I wanted to stay close and keep an eye on the place next door.

“Appreciate it, Lan.”

“Anytime,” he said before hanging up.

I moved to the back door again and peered out. I couldn’t see the window to the basement; it was just out of sight. I opened the back door but left the screen closed. I strained to hear anything, but not a sound reached my ears.

I goddamn hated not knowing what was going on.

What did Emmie have to deal with?

Who was she?

Why was she in the basement?

Who in the fuck was Gloria or Lenny to her?

Why didn’t Emmie want to leave?

So many fucking questions, and I was determined to get the answers.

Chapter Ten

Emerson

A Few Moments Earlier

As I sat on the bed, I held the phone in my hand and stared down at all the messages Ryan had sent. Not only were there messages, but he’d tried calling a couple of times. I didn’t know why, but that day my resolve had diminished, and I’d taken out the phone to see if he had contacted me. I’d been strong, like I promised myself, except for then.

Maybe it was because I was missing my dad more that day since it was his birthday and I wanted some type of contact with the real world, even for just a moment.

I hadn’t expected to find all the messages.

He’d started out telling me how he didn’t care if I didn’t message back, he just wanted to reach out.

Then it continued from there.

Favourite food? Mine’s nachos.

Do you read? I don’t. I’ve tried but I fall asleep too fast.

Do you like sports? I do. Football.

Is Emmie short for something? Emily?

Emmanuel?

Emma?

My smile had grown with each suggestion. With each message. Not all of these texts were on the same day either.

Emmit?

Screw that, sounds like a guy’s name.

Emmalise?

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