Chapter 8 - THE MORNING AFTERThe sun rose slowly over the Virginia suburbs, casting a golden light through the broken kitchen window.
By 8:00 AM, federal agents and local police had hauled Rachel away in handcuffs, loading her personal computers and financial records into the back of a black van.
Mark was formally transferred to federal custody under protective witness cooperation, agreeing to testify against every syndicate member involved in the drug-smuggling ring.
Upstairs, the door to Emma’s bedroom creaked open.
Little Emma stood in the doorway wearing her favorite unicorn pajamas, rubbing her eyes sleepily. She walked down the stairs, looking around the quiet, empty kitchen until her big brown eyes landed on me.
"Mommy?" Emma asked softly. "Is the bad man gone?"
My heart melted. I dropped to my knees, opening my arms wide, and Emma ran straight into my embrace, burying her face in my shoulder.
"He's gone, sweetie," I whispered, kissing the top of her dark hair as tears finally spilled over my lashes. "Everyone is gone. You're safe now."
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"Can we make lemonade?" Emma asked innocently, looking up at me with a hopeful smile.
I laughed through my tears, hugging her tighter. "Only if I make it, baby. Only if I make it."
