Chapter Twenty

Emily went outdoors into the clean, chilly morning air, her thoughts already whirling with the events of the previous day. The enigmatic message, Jake's surprise arrival, and her growing concern for Samantha and Victoria put her on edge. She wanted a diversion to calm her thoughts. Walking in the park sounded like a wonderful idea.

Emily took a few seconds to relax as she wandered along the tree-lined path, soaking in the fresh air and attempting to throw her anxieties behind. Her phone vibrated in her pocket, disturbing the peace. She took it out to see a message from Lisa, an old acquaintance she hadn't seen in years.

"Hello, Emily. Can we meet? It is urgent. - Lisa"

Emily frowned, her curiosity aroused. Lisa was always a wonderful friend, but they had lost contact after high school. What was the reason she needed to see her right away? Emily hurriedly typed her answer.

"Okay, Lisa. "When and where?"

The reply arrived nearly quickly.

"How about the café on Maple Street in an hour?"