Chapter One Hundred & Fifty Six

Lucas shifted in his seat, his eyes flicking nervously between Emma and the police officer driving. "Are you serious about that?" he murmured, leaning closer to Emma in the back seat. His voice was barely audible over the hum of the car's engine. Emma nodded subtly, her gaze fixed on the passing city lights, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Lucas pressed on, his tone urgent yet controlled. "Where is he hiding?"

Emma's lips twitched, a brief moment of hesitation before she whispered back, "I'll let you know tomorrow." Her voice carried a hint of something he couldn't quite place, tinged with weariness from the ordeal they were caught in.

The police car eased into the hospital's emergency entrance, lights flashing against the night sky. Paramedics were already waiting, their faces masked with professional concern as they guided Emma out of the car and into the bustling ER.

Lucas paced the corners of the waiting area, his mind a whirlwind of unanswered questions as he waited for the d