Chapter 37 - Linda's Last Bargain
Linda placed the original contract on the table.
Margaret stared.
“You kept it.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Linda looked exhausted.
“Because I knew one day you'd find Claire.”
Arthur asked:
“Where is she?”
Linda hesitated.
“Safe.”
Margaret stepped forward.
“Where?”
“I won't tell you.”
Margaret's eyes hardened.
“You don't get to bargain with me anymore.”
Linda looked at her.
“I am not bargaining for myself.”
She pushed the contract toward Margaret.
“I'm bargaining for Emily.”
Margaret froze.
“What happened to Emily?”
Linda whispered:
“Ryan took her.”
The room went silent.
Margaret's phone rang.
Unknown number.
She answered.
Ryan's voice came through.
“Mom.”
Margaret's heart pounded.
“Where is my daughter?”
Ryan laughed softly.
“You have two daughters now.”
May you like
A pause.
“Choose which one you want to save.”
