Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Daniel wore a somber expression as he spoke, "Mrs. Lawson, I don't resent you. I understand your sentiments entirely. Were it my daughter, I would hesitate to see her with an anti-drug officer too." Shelly turned to look at Daniel, sensing in him a man of integrity. If not for his profession, marrying Sienna to him would be like winning the lottery.

"About Felix's medical bills-"

Shelly's words were cut short by Daniel's reassurance. "Mrs. Lawson, it's a small matter. There's no rush for repayment.

"Once Felix wakes up and recovers, he can take his time to repay me when he's financially stable. There's no deadline."

Shelly was moved beyond words. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she clasped his hand gratefully. "Thank you, and thank you on behalf of Felix," she choked out.

Daniel offered a gentle pat on her shoulder, feeling a pang of sadness. To him, matters that money could resolve were insignificant. As long as he could help Sienna, he would do so without hesitation or regret.

After a brief pause, Shelly suggested, "Captain Morrison, if you don't mind, you could become like a brother to Sienna..."

Daniel's expression darkened instantly, cutting her off. "Mrs. Lawson, that's unnecessary. I'm fine with the breakup, but becoming her brother? That's absurd."

Shelly felt a twinge of embarrassment and forced a smile. She felt guilty but had no clue how to make it up to Daniel.

Daniel felt mentally drained. Shelly knew exactly how to twist the knife.

Being a brother to Sienna meant they could still have a connection, but without romance, without crossing boundaries, and without sharing their lives together. He'd even have to witness Sienna's marriage and address her future husband as his brother-in-law. Even if it cost him his life, he couldn't do it.

Standing up, Daniel politely excused himself. "Mr. Lawson, I have some work to attend to. Feel free to call if you need anything."

Shelly replied, "Of course, go ahead."

With a nod of farewell, Daniel walked away.

As Shelly watched him leave, she sighed deeply. If only Daniel would quit his job as an anti-drug officer, that would solve everything. She wondered if he'd be willing tomake that sacrifice for Sienna.

Leaning back in her chair, Shelly sighed once more.

When Sienna learned that Felix's medical bills were taken care of, her first thought was of Daniel. Though Shelly didn't explicitly say it, Sienna knew it was Daniel's doing. When Shelly suggested that Daniel resign so they could be together, Sienna felt a mix of excitement and anger.

countered, "Mom, you can't make such unreasonable demands of Daniel. Don't force him to make

said, "Captain Morrison is truly a

couldn't contain her emotions. "Of course, he's a good person, but look at me. I come from a modest background,

plenty of

lucky that Daniel chose

you still

his

selfish?"

Sienna's words held some truth. She couldn't bring herself to make such selfish demands of

moved out of the ICU and into a

hospital with Finley

cigarette butt in the ladies'

must have taken Esther. Maybe it was a crime done by many

shook his head. "This brand is found

a napkin. "We can check it for DNA. I have

"Should we go

"No, going back now will waste too much time. I'll call Wayne to come here, and I'll give it to him to test. Let's keep looking

floor was muddy because it had just rained.

be

police officer abroad. So, she was

before taking her to a car by the road.

it was too dark, and Pearl couldn't tell if the car had gone

ways and said, "He must have gone

Surprised, Pearl asked, "Why?"

The city has many lights at night, and the roads are straight with few turns. There

about the mountains. "Could

looked serious. "I

human trafficking, they needed to act fast to save Esther. "Richard, go get your car.