Chapter 317 Protected Custody

Chapter 317 Protected Custody
Emma's POV

I stared at the gray ceiling of the holding cell, counting the small cracks for what felt like the hundredth time. The harsh fluorescent lights made my eyes ache, but I wasn't afraid or anxious. Blake had warned me this might happen, and somehow that made all the difference.

When the officers had shown up at my apartment this morning with questions about Annie Blackwell's disappearance, I'd played along. Now I was here, in a surprisingly clean cell at the Boston Police Department, technically detained for questioning. I'd pointed out to the detective that I was merely a person of interest, not formally charged with anything, but he'd just smiled politely and continued the booking process.

This had Blake written all over it. What better place to keep me safe than in police custody? A place where neither Aiden nor Ryan could reach me without significant effort. I had to admit, it was a clever move, if somewhat extreme. Blake always did have a flair for the dramatic.

The sound of the cell door opening pulled me from my thoughts. An officer gestured for me to follow him.

"Someone's here to see you, Ms. Garcia."

He led me to a small interview room where, to my surprise, Liam was waiting.

"Well, well," he said with a grin as I sat down across from him. "Emma, I think your monthly salary should be collected from these fine officers now."

I smiled despite myself. Liam's ability to find humor in any situation was one of his better qualities. Still, the mention of my job made me wince. I hadn't been to the office in days.

"Actually," I said, folding my hands on the table, "I think I should formally resign. When I get out of here, I'll handle the paperwork."

Liam's eyebrows shot up. "I didn't come here to pressure you into quitting."

"I know," I shrugged. "But let's be honest; if I were the boss, I'd have fired me weeks ago. I'm barely showing up, constantly distracted, and haven't produced a single design in far too long."

Liam leaned back in his chair, studying me. "You know it's not that simple. You're practically the boss's wife. Different rules apply."

I tilted my head, deciding to have a little fun with him. "What boss's wife? You mean Blake? He's literally ashes in a box somewhere."

The look on Liam's face was priceless. His eyes widened, then narrowed, then he tried to laugh it off, resulting in a strange grimace.

"Emma, we're not strangers here. No need to play games."

"Games? What games?" I kept my expression innocent.

Liam glanced around the room, then leaned forward, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. He moved his lips deliberately, mouthing, "Blake asked me to tell you not to worry. You just need to stay here for a few days."

I struggled to maintain my poker face. "Blake told you that? What, did he appear in your dreams? Or are you psychic now?"

Liam's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I deserved that. I shouldn't have lied to you."

I pressed my advantage. "Did Blake specifically tell you not to reveal his real identity to me?"

"Please," Liam groaned, "you two are all lovey-dovey again. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

I couldn't help but smile at his discomfort. It was a small victory, but I'd take it. My expression turned serious again. "How is Blake now?"

"He's out of the hospital," Liam replied simply.

I blinked in surprise. "Already? That's impossible. His injuries haven't fully healed."

"He's recovering at home."

I didn't believe that for a second. "He's doing something, isn't he? That's why he had me put in here."

Liam shook his head, but his eyes betrayed him.

"You're a terrible liar, Liam. Blake arranged to have me locked up because he's afraid I'll stop him from doing something reckless."

Liam threw his hands up. "I told him you'd figure it out. You're too smart for your own good, Emma."

"What's he planning?"

After a moment of internal struggle, Liam sighed. "Aiden and Ryan are moving a group of people out. They need Blake, or Parker, rather, to personally oversee it."

The "cooperation" Blake had mentioned. I understood immediately. Aiden knew Blake's real identity but was still letting him participate in their operation. It was a test. And Blake, after years of working to take down this network, would play along to finally pull out the roots.

It was a dangerous game they were playing. Aiden testing Blake, Blake pretending to cooperate while gathering final evidence. Two predators circling each other, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

"He said not to worry about him," Liam added. "He remembers everything he promised you."

I nodded slowly. "Tell him to do what he needs to do. I won't interfere."

"Good," Liam seemed relieved.

"But I'm not staying here," I continued. "It's safe, but it's boring as hell. I might go crazy if I have to stare at those walls any longer." I made a face. "And the food is terrible."

Liam chuckled. "I'll pass that along, but I can't promise he'll agree."

"Tell Blake I can take care of myself." My tone left no room for argument.

After Liam left, I waited for news of my release, but none came. Blake was apparently determined to keep me safely tucked away. I needed another approach.

When Rachel visited later that day, I had a plan ready.

"I need you to contact Victoria," I told her without preamble. "Ask her to get someone to release me."

Rachel's eyes widened. "Victoria?"

"Offer her a trade. Tell her I can help her find her first love."

"What are you talking about?"

"Victoria didn't marry Charles for money. She's trying to use their daughter to blackmail him into helping her reunite with her first love." I lowered my voice. "I think he's somewhere in Obsidian Palace. Blake can find him."

Rachel looked skeptical. "And if you get out? What then? Blake will kill me if something happens to you."

I laughed. "He wouldn't dare. Dr. Cooper would never forgive him, and Blake knows it."

Something flickered across Rachel's face at the mention of Ethan. A shadow of doubt, maybe pain.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing," she said too quickly. "Everything's fine."

"Rachel..."

"He's just busy all the time," she said with forced casualness. "We barely see each other these days."

I tried to sound reassuring. "He's a prominent professor. Probably buried in research."

"You once told me," Rachel said quietly, "that if someone truly cares for you, they'll find time to share a meal with you, no matter how busy they are."

I winced, remembering those words. I'd said them about Gavin, during one of his many absences. The irony wasn't lost on me.

We sat in silence for a moment, united in our romantic uncertainties. "Never lecture on pain you haven't experienced," I finally said.

Rachel stood up. "I should go. I'll pass your message to Victoria."