I ran across the wet concrete, ignoring the puddles.

I opened the SUV door and threw my arms around her.

“Emily,” she sobbed, holding me tight. “They said you wouldn’t come.”

“I’m here,” I whispered, tears finally spilling over my eyelashes. “I’m here. You’re safe now.”

“We have to move,” Adrian said, appearing beside the vehicle.

He looked at the driver.

“Take Clara to the safe house in Gold Coast,” Adrian ordered. “Put two guards on the door.”

The driver nodded.

“What about me?” I asked, looking up at Adrian.

“You’re coming with me to the office,” Adrian said. “We have a flight to stop.”

I kissed Clara’s forehead and closed the SUV door.

The vehicle pulled away, its tires splashing through the puddles.

Adrian led me to his personal sedan, opening the passenger door for me.

The rain was coming down harder now, drumming against the windshield as we pulled out of the warehouse lot.

The city skyline of Chicago loomed in the distance, partially obscured by the low-hanging storm clouds.

Inside the car, the heater blasted warm air, but I couldn’t stop shivering.