Chapter 17

Scarlett’s POV

A video of Sophie was sent to me with a warning text not to look for the shooter if I wanted her alive. I sprinted to the car, my heart racing with every step.

I kept calling Vera, but there was no response, so I texted her to meet up, and immediately I wheeled away to Grandma’s place.

I stumbled into the house, my eyes scanning the room frantically until they landed on her playing with her toys by the corner. With a sob of relief, I called out to her in a trembling voice, my arms outstretched.

“Sophie”

And then, like a ray of sunshine, her face lit up with recognition. “Mommy! She squealed, dropping her toys as she sprang toward my open arms.

I quickly closed the distance between us and scooped her up, holding her tight in my arms as I struggled to catch my breath. Tears of fear and relief mingled on my face as I whispered softly, “I’m here, baby; mommy’s here.”

“Mom, I’ve missed you,” she said, wrapping her little arms around my neck. Sensing my distre