Lauren froze in the mansion’s living room, her phone pressed to her ear, after she had managed to pick it up— Emma asleep in her bassinet nearby.
The officer’s voice crackled, stern and urgent. “Miss Langston, this is Officer Reynolds from Metropolitan Prison. Dan escaped from custody late last night. We’re doing everything to find him, but he’s dangerous. Stay safe, keep your doors locked.”
Her breath caught, her voice trembling. “Escaped? How?” She glanced at Alex, his crutches clicking as he crossed to her, his face tense. “Is he coming for us?”
Reynolds paused, his voice grim. “We can’t be sure, but Dan’s got a grudge. We’ve got patrols out, but increase your security, stay vigilant.” The line clicked off, the silence heavy, Emma’s soft breaths a stark contrast.
Alex grabbed her hand, his voice firm. “Lauren, you okay?” His eyes searched hers, his love steady, the officer’s warning echoing. “Dan’s not getting near you or Emma, I promise.”
Lauren nodded, her voice shaky. “Revenge,
