Chapter 318 A Dangerous Trade

Chapter 318 A Dangerous Trade
Emma's POV

I watched as the officer completed the last of my release paperwork. Finally free, I stepped outside the police station, breathing in the crisp Boston air. My phone buzzed with a message from Rachel—just an address, no explanation needed. She had come through for me.

Annie could wait a few more days. Victoria was the one who needed to sweat a little. After all, the bitter fruit she'd planted should be hers to taste.

Standing on the sidewalk, I pulled out my phone and dialed Blake's number. The line connected, but silence greeted me. I waited, almost ready to hang up, when his voice finally came through.

"You still got out," Blake said, his tone flat.

"Where are you?" I asked directly, skipping any pleasantries.

"It's not convenient to meet right now."

I understood immediately. He was already following through with Aiden and Ryan's plan, becoming their accomplice to gather evidence. The die was cast.

"Then I'll wait for you," I replied simply.

As I ended the call, a text message appeared on my screen: "Time to fulfill your promise." Victoria.

Looking up, I noticed a taxi parked not far away. I walked over and slid into the back seat, coming face to face with Victoria.

"Afraid I wouldn't keep my word?" I asked with a slight smirk.

Victoria looked terrible, her face drawn with exhaustion. "I just want Annie back as soon as possible."

"It'll take a couple of days."

"Why?" Victoria demanded, her voice strained. "You're out now. What's the delay?"

"I'm waiting for someone to return safely."

Her eyes narrowed. "You're using Annie as leverage to get Parker back?"

"Yes," I admitted without hesitation.

"That's despicable," she spat. "Using an innocent child—"

"Like you haven't been using her as a tool yourself," I countered sharply.

Victoria fell silent, her gaze dropping. "I guess no one can be trusted except yourself."

"Annie won't be harmed," I assured her. "She'll just stay with you a few days longer than planned."

The taxi dropped me at my apartment before driving away with Victoria still inside.

Back home, I showered, changed into fresh clothes, and ordered takeout. After eating, I headed straight to the hospital to find Rachel.

In her office, Rachel looked up from her paperwork. "Annie's a sweet kid. You should visit her."

"You moved her?"

"Yes, to a safer location," Rachel confirmed. "I understand why you don't want her going back yet."

Rachel sighed, leaning back in her chair. "About the investigation—most of the harassment victims wouldn't talk. Only three agreed to testify, and just one has actual evidence."

She pulled a manila envelope from her desk drawer and handed it to me. I flipped through the contents, my eyes widening as I absorbed the information.

"This is perfect. Thank you, Rachel."

She smiled warmly. "I just want to see you and Blake happy."

A knock interrupted us. A courier stood at the door with a package for Rachel.

"That's strange," Rachel frowned. "I hardly ever shop online."

I took the package, checking the label. "It's definitely for you. Maybe you have a secret admirer?"

Rachel laughed, opening the package as I watched curiously. Suddenly, a snake sprang out, its scales gleaming as it slithered across the desk. We both screamed, jumping back. People from outside rushed in, managing to capture the reptile.

My face was as pale as Rachel's. Checking the return address, I recognized it immediately—my old apartment complex.

"This is a warning," I said, my voice shaking. "They're threatening you because you're helping investigate the girls."

"I'm so sorry, Rachel," I continued, guilt washing over me. "This is my fault. You should stop looking into this. They're just warning you now, but—"

"I'm not scared off that easily," Rachel interrupted, her jaw set firmly.

"If something happened to you, I'd never forgive myself," I insisted.

Rachel laughed softly. "Nothing will happen."

"Promise me you won't contact any more girls."

After a moment's hesitation, Rachel reluctantly nodded.

Still unsatisfied, I decided to address the threat at its source.

Later that day, I found Ryan, carrying both Rachel's evidence file and the snake package.

"Out so soon?" Ryan smirked. "I was just planning to visit you."

"Did you send this?" I demanded, holding up the box.

"I want you to leave Rachel alone," I continued. "If you have issues, deal with me directly."

I tossed the file onto his desk. "Is this enough?"

Ryan flipped through the pages, his expression calculating. "If you want your friend to be safe, there's something you need to do for me."

I wasn't surprised. "What do you want?"

"Give me what Blake entrusted to you."

"Blake didn't give me anything," I responded, maintaining eye contact. "When we were in New York, he was burned. We were barely hanging on."

"Try Nora. She's the closest person to Blake."

Ryan's eyes flashed. "You're trying to set her up."

"I don't have anything from Blake except the pain he left me," I insisted. "Search my apartment, my office, wherever you want."

Ryan's face hardened. "If you don't cooperate, your friend Rachel might need to find employment elsewhere."

The threat in his words was unmistakable. Rage boiled inside me. Without thinking, I stood up and slapped him with all my strength.

Ryan's face and eyes turned red simultaneously as he glared at me.

I stood my ground, my expression tight. "I know you practically run Boston now, but there's always someone bigger. Don't push your luck."