Chapter Eleven : Sacrifice

The lab's entrance was covered in streaks of paint, with red and blue flashing lights on the NYPD squad cars causing damage. Smoke drifted into the night sky, a somber image of the devastation that had occurred just minutes prior. The scene was grim. 

As an ambulance sat on the back, Juniper's hands were shaking and her ears persisted in ringing from the explosion. The wounded were being treated by medical personnel surrounding her. Despite bruises and coughing among her team members, no one had been killed. That was the only consolation. 

Then she saw Adrian. 

Standing near the wreckage, he spoke to a police officer with an incomprehensible look. He was confused. The blood streaks on his shirt were a blend of his and others. The reason for Juniper's breath being choppy was his determination to hold himself upright. The man was on the brink of entering a war zone, aware that his chances of winning were slim. 

She walked past the paramedics and ran towards him. "What's taking place with Adrian?" she asked. 

He looked back at her with a soft, twinkling expression. “Go back to the ambulance, Juniper.”. 

"No," she extinguished her gaze and grabbed his wrist. What are you telling them?”. 

Adrian paused. At that point in time, she was cognizant.' 

She whispered, "You're blaming yourself," with horror. "It's like you've been lying to me.". 

Did I?’ His tone remained steady and unwavering. 

"No, you didn't," she replied as she drew nearer. "You were not involved in the explosion.". 

He breathed deeply, pierced his hair with an arm. "This was your deliberate plan, Juniper." The speaker exclaimed in agreement. Once you are connected to this by the media, your nonprofit is complete. You'll lose everything.”. 

With her breath in quick succession, she expressed her rage. "What about you?". Being blameless will lead to your demise. 

His expression was a small, almost melancholic smile. "I have responsibilities to make things right.". 

The officer next to him mangled his throat before she could have any more argument. Our request is for Blackwood to join us for questioning. 

She shook her head in despair. "No, please," she replied softly before grasping Adrian tightly with her arm. “You're not doing this right,” she said. Then and now: Look where there is Adrian standing. 

Adrian placed his hands on her shoulders and turned towards them. The way he touched was firm and soothing, like the sound of a guitar. 

Her mouth sank as she gazed at him. 

I ask for your trust in me. 

She felt her stomach twitch. "I admit it, but... 

He crouched down, his lips rubbing against her forehead, creating a painful sensation in her chest. 

I will protect you," he whispered. 

Following that, the officers took him into custody. 

Adrian was handcuffed while she stood motionless. The streetlights let light into the steel. She had the impression of witnessing a dream unfold in slow motion.'". 

They pushed him back into the squad car, and Adrian looked at her one last time. They made a silent promise.’ The. 

The door slammed shut. 

The car drove away. 

In the cold, Juniper was left alone and without any breathing. 

The Note. 

Juniper was at her apartment in denial. What happened? 

With the city skyline beyond them, lights flickered and made her look normal. 

She found herself shivering with fear while reading news headlines on her laptop. 

BLACKWOOD INDUSTRIES' CEO resigned after discovering the exclusion of labor in the lab. 

Is Adrian Blackwood suspected of being a businessman or an accident? What is the reason for her suspicion? 

Was the search for J.R. Pepper under fire a cover-up? 

Her stomach churned. This was bad. 

A knock on her door caused the woman to jump in fear. 

Her heart raced through her as she cautiously approached, her pulse racing in her ears. 

She peered through the peephole. No one was there. 

The door was opened by her, who was now frowning. 

The floor contained an envelope.' 

While picking it up, Juniper twitched back and fingers crossed. 

There was no return address. No markings. 

She slowly unfolded the letter inside. 

Impersonal and cold-hearted words that were scribbled down.' 

Want the truth? Meet me at the docks. Alone. – Anonymous. 

She felt a chill run down her spine. 

Once more, she read the note with her hand.' 

Was this a setup? A warning? Is that the singular opportunity she had to redeem Adrian? 

She had no choice. 

After that, Juniper snuck into her coat and went out for the night.