Chapter 6 - THE FOOTPRINTSThe next morning, Daniel packed a small bag.
He didn't know where they were going.
He only knew they couldn't stay.
He put Emma's favorite stuffed rabbit into her backpack.
Cooper followed them to the door.
Daniel stopped.
He looked back at the house.
The place where Emma had taken her first steps.
Where Rachel had kissed him on their wedding anniversary.
Where they had once believed they were safe.
Now it felt like a trap.
They drove to Marcus's cabin outside the city.
The road disappeared beneath thick pine trees.
For the first time in days, Emma smiled.
“Are we camping?”
Daniel forced a smile.
“Something like that.”
But Marcus wasn't smiling.
When they arrived, he checked every window.
Then locked the doors.
Daniel noticed.
“You've done this before.”
Marcus nodded.
“Too many times.”
That evening, Emma sat by the fireplace with Cooper.
Daniel watched her.
“Marcus.”
“Yes?”
“Why would Rachel leave her?”
Marcus looked at the flames.
“She didn't.”
Daniel frowned.
“What?”
“She was trying to save her.”
Daniel stared at him.
Marcus continued.
“Your wife knew someone inside the organization was leaking information. She suspected they would use Emma as leverage.”
Daniel's voice cracked.
“Then why didn't Rachel take Emma and run?”
Marcus looked at him.
“Because Rachel believed you were the only person they couldn't predict.”
Daniel's eyes filled with tears.
“She trusted me?”
“She trusted you more than anyone.”
Daniel lowered his head.
For the first time since coming home, he allowed himself to cry.
Then a sound came from outside.
A branch snapped.
Cooper stood suddenly.
Growling.
Marcus reached for the gun hidden beneath the table.
Daniel pulled Emma close.
Another branch snapped.
May you like
Then headlights appeared between the trees.
Someone had followed them.
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