Chapter 24

Chapter 24
THE SHADOW OUTSIDE

Point of View: Luna Hart

The phone message glows in the dark as my hands shake and I grasp it: You think it's over, Luna? Victoria is only the beginning. Be mindful of your back. My stomach turns into a knot as a shadow moves in the trees outside the safe house window. The blanket is cozy but chilly as I sit on the bed. Beside me, my mother is sleeping, breathing steadily and slowly. In the other room, Mr. Cole is speaking quietly to the cops. After the major altercation at the warehouse, where the police apprehended Aunt Victoria and the man with the knife, we should be safe here, but Ethan escaped. Even though I saved Mia and located my mother, this message still makes my pulse race. There is still someone observing. With numb fingers, I drop the phone on the bed and take another look out the window. I can feel eyes on me even though the shadow has vanished.

My bare feet are silent on the wood floor as I tiptoe to the door. With the exception of a tiny kitchen light, the hall is dark. The sound of Mr. Cole's voice wafts in, discussing Ethan. As I approach, I hide behind the wall. He's pacing slowly as he's on the phone with his back to me. His voice is harsh as he says, "Find him." "He poses a threat."

I clench my fists and bite my lip. He assisted in catching him, although Ethan is his brother. Or did he? Don't trust Mr. Cole, said the woman brandishing the gun. I can still hear what she said. My stomach aches, so I shake it off. Mr. Cole fought for us and saved us from the river disaster. But who sent the message? With a slight squeak in the floor, I slip back to my room. My mother stirs but remains unconscious. I pull the blanket close as I crawl under it, but I'm unable to fall asleep. I picture the shadow approaching as the trees outside rustle.

The following morning, the room becomes warm as the sun peeks through the curtains. My mother awakens and gives me a hug while grinning softly. Her voice is soft as she says, "Good morning, Luna."

With a slightly lighter heart, I return her hug. "Good morning, Mom." I feel safe in her embrace, much like I did as a child. We head to the kitchen, where Mr. Cole is preparing eggs, grinning despite his weariness. The policeman watches us from the entryway, his clothes clean.

Mr. Cole slides platters to us and adds, "Eat up." The eggs smell delicious and are golden and heated. My stomach is still twisted from last night, so I eat slowly. I have the message concealed in my phone in my pocket. I'm afraid to tell them, yet I want to. Could it be a ruse? What if someone is paying attention?

The policeman speaks softly to Mr. Cole. "We'll remain vigilant. We'll find Ethan, but he's still out there.

With serious eyes, Mr. Cole nods. "Thank you."

My mother's hand is on mine as I stare at her. She murmurs, "We're safe here."

I smile, but it feels forced. I shivered when I saw the shadow in the woods last night. The cards are slick in my palms as I play cards with my mother in the living room after breakfast. When she wins, her eyes light up and she laughs. It gives me a brief, genuine smile. With his phone in his hand and checking it every few minutes, Mr. Cole observes from the chair.

His voice is quiet as he says, "You okay, Luna?"

My throat tightens as I nod. "Yes." But I can't get the message out of my pocket. Be mindful of your back.

Later, I lock the bathroom door and slip inside. I take out my phone and look at the message once more. Just unknown, no number. As I type, my fingers tremble: Who are you? My heart pounding, I hit send. Immediately, the phone buzzes: A buddy. Victoria had assistance. Don't have faith in anyone. My stomach turns around. A companion? Or someone who lies? The door is knocked on. "Luna?" It's my mother.

"I'm coming," I say, pushing the phone out of view. After washing my face with cold water, I leave. My mother gives me a tender embrace. She says, "Let's take a walk." "This area is safe, according to the police."

I nod, but I have stomach pain. When we step outside, the grass is green beneath my feet and the sun is shining brightly. The policeman watches in the distance. While pointing at birds in the trees, my mother holds my hand. "Look at that one? "It's a robin," she exclaims with joy in her voice.

I look at the trees, but I smile. I feel watched, although there are no shadows. Ducks quack on the lake as we make our way to a little pond. My mother pulls me in while she sits on a bench. With gentle eyes, she asks, "Tell me what's wrong."

I give a headshake. "Nothing," I say in a low voice. I keep thinking, Don't trust anyone. Even her? No, she's my mother. However, the armed woman told falsehoods about Mr. Cole. Perhaps this is also a lie.

She gives my hand a squeeze. "I've arrived. We'll be alright.

My throat tightens as I nod. The sun warms my back as we make our way back. The policeman's eyes flicker around while he smiles. Mr. Cole waits on the porch of the house, his expression solemn. He whispers in a hushed voice, "News." "Ethan was apprehended. He is incarcerated.

My heart leaps. "Really?" My voice is loud as I inquire.

He smiles slightly and nods. Indeed. It's finished.

With a joyful giggle, my mother gives me a hug. She declares, "We're free."

With a lightened heart, I return her hug. Stop running. No more secrets. For the first time, the meal tastes nice as we have dinner together and laugh. Mr. Cole smiles as my mom shares anecdotes about my early years. We're safe now, the policeman says as he leaves.

I lie in bed with a lovely blanket that night. My mother gives me a forehead kiss. "Luna, get a good night's sleep."

I close my eyes and nod. The wind outside is rustling, and the house is silent. Mia, safe with her family, comes to mind. Hart Global comes to mind, but I don't give a damn. All I want is normal.

I am awakened by a faint hum. My mobile phone. My heart pounding, I grab it. An additional message: Ethan has been caught, but I have not. The pawn was Victoria. The actual game has begun. My stomach aches. The trees are dark when I glance out the window. This time, a shadow moves closer. When it pauses at t
he home, I notice a pale face with eyes observing me.