CHAPTER 12: THE NEW IDENTITY
The private security firm was called Shield.
They operated out of a nondescript office in a nondescript building.
No sign. No logo. Nothing.
Just a door.
I walked in with Emma's hand in mine.
The woman at the reception desk smiled.
"Mrs. Harper? I'm Rachel. Please, come in."
She led us to a conference room.
Inside, a team of four people were waiting.
All dressed in business clothes.
All carrying tablets and laptops.
"Mrs. Harper, we've been expecting you," said a man with gray hair and steady eyes. "I'm Thomas. I run Shield."
"Thank you for helping us."
"Your grandmother was a client of ours for thirty years. We're committed to her legacy. And to your safety."
"What do we need to do?"
"Everything. We'll change your names. Your addresses. Your history. You'll become different people."
"How long will that take?"
"A few days. We'll need to relocate you to a safe house until everything is ready."
"Where?"
"We have a facility in the mountains. Remote. Secure. No one will find you there."
"What about Emma?"
"She'll have tutors. Playrooms. Everything she needs to feel safe. And we'll protect her around the clock."
I looked at Emma.
She was pulling at my sleeve.
"Mommy? Are we going somewhere?"
"Yes, baby. Somewhere safe."
"Will I get to see Daddy?"
My heart broke.
"No, sweetheart. Not for a while."
"Is he in trouble?"
I knelt down to her level.
"Emma, I need you to listen to me. Your father did some very bad things. And we have to be careful now. We have to stay safe."
"Will you be with me?"
"I'll never leave you. I promise."
She hugged me.
I hugged her back.
And I made a silent vow.
May you like
No one was going to take my daughter from me.
Ever again.
