Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring

Chapter 14

was going to be.

Alexander stood at his hotel window, his gaze fixed on the flower shop below, as workers began to show up to start their day. He suspected that Emma wouldn't show but still, he had to see it for himself, to accept the unsettling reality before deciding. what his next step Kevin came in, no less haggard than his boss. "I've looked around the area, but she's nowhere to be found, sir." he said in a

low tone.

Alexander turned from the window, his eyes sharp with simmering fury, "She couldn't have left the country, he growled low; his voice was barely contained. "I've already informed people at every port, every station. Nothing, no person, no bag is leaving this country by air, road, or SEA without my knowledge

The word "sea" came out of his mouth bitter in amount he couldn't conceal. Late last night, he had found out that Emma had cloaked in disguise months ago and used the opportunity to slip out of the country as another person named Veronica Moore.

"I have people keeping an eye on her bank accounts too. She isnescaping me this time around" He as he headed out of the hotel. "She may have friends here who know where she's hiding Alexander added, heading toward the door of the hotel, his expression one of raw determination. Kevin fell into step behind him as they headed in the direction of the flower shop. Alexander's jaw clenched as he prepared to confront anyone who could lead him to her.

Just as he reached for the door, someone burst in, sending Alexander sideways in a mad dash. The man did not seem intimidating by the towering figure with whom he almost collided; loud and desperate, he yelled, tearing through silence of the flower shop. "I need to speak with Mrs. Hayes!"

Whe

He was the sort of man Alexander would normally have thrown out without a second glance. But today, Alexander's mind

wasn't on such trifles.

"Mrs-Hayes!" he shouted again, and this time, he drew several of the other employees attention.

A woman in her forties came forward, a professional smile. "How may I assist you, sir?

The man's face was creased with frustration. "I'm looking for Veronica, he demanded, in an intense tone. And with the words, Alexander paused and turned around, his gaze locking onto the stranger.

eyebrow. "And who might you be to

man exclaimed, in

in his chest. "Her fiance? This was the reason. This was why Emma had let the divorce go through without a word of protest, why she'd disappeared so quick and quiet. "She

step forward, tempted to knock the man down then and there, but restrained himself. He needed to know more, to understand the

I came back home this morning and saw that our apartment was empty. I don't understand

of lack

I got home to an empty place! Just bring her out here!" His voice

due respect, you're disrupting our business," Mrs. Hayes said in firm voice but cool tone. "If

Tue, Dec 1/

Chapter 15

word was laced with a notch of impatience. "You need to keep looking. Don't stop until you find her. Call me the minute you

15

walked, her legs aching, her thoughts racing with every painful step, a reminder of just how grim her situation had become.

with thoughts and weighed down relentlessly. She couldn't touch her accounts, as Alexander was surely monitoring every transaction, and she couldn't give him the chance of finding out where she was. The cash in her

quiet. She made her way to the corner, curling up as best she could in the limited space, trying to sink into the darkness so that no one would see her. She slept very little, clutching onto the few possessions she had

decision, every step that took her here in her mind. If only she'd known the nightmare she was walking into when she'd agreed to attend that event, her heart clenched at the memory. But regrets couldn't change things now. She had to survive, she had to protect herself. Her children needed her, and that one thought alone kept her grounded, able to be

regular restaurant, finding a cat near the back and away from any windows. She ordered the most basic,

those resources seemed to taunt her, unreachable and useless in this moment of her need. As she stared at her nearly empty purse, Emma knew she was on her own. Whatever she has to do to, it is the matter how she would find a way to make it through. That night, Emma entered another gas station. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon her, and she hoped to be able to find a quiet corner where she could just rest, in the same manner she had the prior evening. But

eyelids just started to lower when footsteps sounded, jerking her again into a

men stumbled forward, their laughter carrying out into the quiet night. Emma's heart hammered as she jumped to her feet, clutching her bag tightly. She silently prayed they'd stumble by, but fate, as always, wasn't on her side. The four

them came forward, his flashlight blinding her as he leered. "Well, well, who do we have here?" He sneered, his gaze

fear Fm. She stammered, trying to keep her voice steady. "You... you. Another man mocked, swaying

and clenched her fists in

over for your baby. Why do you run away with my baby?"

Tue, Dec 17