Lucas entered after Mr. Mario, his eyes narrowing as he observed the retreating figure. "He came to see you?" he inquired, suspicion lacing his voice. Emma nodded, her gaze falling as she settled back onto the cell bed, her mind whirling with so many thoughts. "Did the attorney say anything?" she inquired, her voice barely above a whisper. She needed to steer the conversation, to focus on something that might offer a glimmer of hope. Lucas saw the subtle plea in her eyes but decided not to push further. "Not really," he answered, sighing as he raked a hand through his hair. "He has gathered the evidence they have against you. He will review it and come to interrogate you tomorrow. Just tell him the truth. I believe he will secure your release." He offered a small, encouraging smile, though it did not quite reach his eyes. Emma nodded, a flicker of gratitude in her weary countenance. They sat in silence, the air heavy with unspoken words and the faint sound of footsteps in the co

There was a momentary pause in Emma's heartbeat, followed by a sudden jolt as she jumped in fear. "Why are you observing me while I sleep?" she gasped, trying to steady her breath after the fright. The woman let out a low, unsettling chuckle. "You look beautiful when you sleep," she said, her smile twisted in a disturbing manner. "It's a shame you're confined in a cell." With another eerie grin, she turned away. Just then, the heavy door to the cell area creaked open. Emma saw the lawyer walking in with Lucas by his side, and a glimmer of hope ignited within her. She quickly stood up, walking towards the bars of her cell with eager anticipation. Her wide eyes and trembling fingers clung to the cold metal, awaiting their approach. An expressionless police officer followed closely behind, unlocking the cell bars with a loud clanking noise, and gesturing for Emma to come out. Emma's hesitation was fleeting as she glanced back at the lady lying on the floor, motionless and silent

Emma straightened herself upright, eager to give every information necessary to help keep her sister safe, "She is 27 years old. Her name is—""We can gather basic information from records," he interjected in a resolute yet courteous tone. "Tell us about her physical appearance, her relationship with people, Did she mention anything lately that implied fear or discomfort?"Emma nibbled on her lip, her thoughts racing back to their last exchange. "She is... she is very sociable, always the life of the gathering. Nothing stood out as unusual."The door flung open, and the second officer returned with an evidence bag held high. He handed it to his superior, who promptly handed Emma her phone. She fumbled with it, her fingers trembling as she attempted to switch it on."It's dead," she stated, raising her eyes to the officer with a mix of frustration and trepidation."Who has a charger?" the officer inquired, scanning the room.“I have a power bank and an iPhone cord," Mr. Harrington, who

Lucas retrieved the crumpled note from his pocket, smoothing out the creases with his fingers. The worn paper revealed a detailed image of a building painted in vivid blue and white. He squinted at it, eyebrows knitting together. "Why would anyone paint on a dollar note?" he muttered, the confusion clear in his voice.He shook his head, the absurdity of the situation gnawing at him. "This makes no sense," he said, more to himself than anyone else. Frustration seeped into his actions as he balled up the note again, preparing to discard it. But Emma's hand shot out, stopping him mid throw."Wait," she said, her tone urgent yet calm. She gently took the bill from his hand and sank into the nearby couch. Her eyes narrowed in concentration as she scrutinized the note, turning it over and over. The room fell silent, the only sound the soft rustle of the paper as Emma handled it.Lucas watched her, curiosity piqued. "What are you doing?" he asked, stepping closer.Emma didn't look up. She li

Lucas slammed the door of his car shut as he got in. Emma would be furious if she found out he had gone to see her sister first, making him miss the cell lady she's eager to keep safe and meet.He thought of going back to the police station to get more information from the front desk lady, but he knew that would be suspicious, and the last thing he needed was that.Lucas slumped against the steering wheel of his car. He pressed his palms against his temples, trying to quell the rising panic threatening to consume him. What was he going to do now?With a heavy sigh, Lucas started the ignition and pulled out onto the main street. He drove aimlessly, the passing scenery a blur of colors and shapes. He scanned the sidewalks, hoping against hope to catch a glimpse of the lady, but that was to no avail, she would have been long gone by now.An hour passed with no sign of her. Frustration gnawed at Lucas's insides, mingling with the guilt of letting Emma down once again. He pulled over to th