I wait for everyone else to leave before texting Eli for reassurance. His plan is simple. But my heart still stutters with fear.
Eli
Angel:You’ll be right there the whole time, right?
The way she wants me close—needsme close—has my eyesthreatening to roll to the back of my head.
Eli:I won’t let you out of my sight.
I don’t particularly love this idea. But Emily is growing increasingly anxious by the day. Someone is definitely watching her. We need to bring them out.
So we’re going to make them think Emily is walking home alone.
The most likely culprit is Gianna, her ex.
Emily steps out from her work, locking the door behind her, then scanning the street, looking left and right, before she sets off on foot.
I have my mask in place, and a hoodie covering it, while I keep a good distance back. Not too far, that she’s not in my line of sight, but far enough that Gianna will think she’s alone.
Someone steps out from a doorway, putting themself between Emily and me. They continue walking down the street in her direction, following every turn she makes.
Gianna.
I keep myself back. Just enough not to look obvious. Just enough to blend into the crowded London street.
Gianna catches up to Emily. I quicken my pace.
Emily turns down a dark alleyway. What is she doing?
A group of slow walkers crowd in front of me. I dodge around them. I’m losing time. I can’t see Emily.
I turn into the same alley she did.
My blood runs cold.
Emily has a bag over her head, her arms flailing around as she tries to fight off Gianna. She screams.
I’m running.
I secure an arm around Gianna’s neck. She kicks out at me, but I hold secure, waiting for her body to fall slack. She’s taller than I expected. More muscular. It takes longer than I’d like for her to pass out.
As soon as her body turns limp, I drop it, rushing to Emily’s side. She’s got the sack off her head and she's gasping on air. I pull her into my arms while she trembles against me.
“Why did you come down here?”
She whimpers. “I wanted it to be over.”
She was banking on Gianna grabbing her while it was dark and quiet.
I run my hands over her arms until she’s no longer shivering. “We’ve got her.”
“What do we do now?” Emily asks, looking at me with wide, trusting eyes.
“I’m going to grab my car; it’s around the corner from here. Wait here, if she starts to come to, jab this in her.” I pass her a syringe filled with a sedative.
“You’re leaving me here?” she sniffles.
“I’ll be less than five minutes. Promise, Angel.”