CHAPTER 6: THE SECRET LIFE
The property deeds led to a house.
Not our house.
A different house.
In a different state.
Agent Webb and I flew to Oregon.
The house was in a small town called Ashland. Quaint. Quiet. The kind of place where people went to disappear.
We stood outside the front door.
No one answered.
Agent Webb motioned for the team to move in.
The door was unlocked.
Inside, the house was furnished. There were toys on the floor. A pink backpack on the couch.
Emma's backpack.
I picked it up.
Her name was written on the tag.
"We're too late," I said. "They're gone."
"Maybe not," Agent Webb said.
He pointed to the kitchen table.
There was a note.
Maya,
If you're reading this, it means you found the house. Which means you're smarter than I gave you credit for.
I'm sorry it had to be this way.
But you have to understand—Emma was never really yours.
She was meant for something bigger. Something better.
I can't tell you where we're going.
But I can tell you this:
If you try to follow us, you'll regret it.
Stay where you are. Build a new life. Forget about us.
It's the only way you'll survive.
Daniel
I read the note three times.
Then I read it again.
Each time, the words cut deeper.
Emma was never really yours.
The only way you'll survive.
I felt the tears coming.
But I didn't let them fall.
Because I wasn't going to survive.
I was going to fight.
"Find them," I said.
"Mrs. Harper—"
"Find them. I don't care what it takes. Bring my daughter home."
Agent Webb nodded.
May you like
"We will."
And for the first time, I believed him.
