Chapter 21 – The Warning
Chapter 21 – The Warning
Emily’s pulse thundered in her ears, drowning out the lilting strings of the orchestra. The ballroom sparkled under the crystal chandeliers, glittering gowns brushing past her as though she weren’t even there. She shoved between guests, eyes scanning the dance floor in frantic bursts.
The woman was gone.
A minute ago, Emily had seen her smiling, swaying in Alex’s arms, the tilt of her chin achingly familiar. Lisa.... Or someone who looked so much like her that Emily’s heart had stopped mid-beat. Now there was nothing but strangers.
Alex was still there. Laughing with a politician, his tux perfect, his grin practiced. A gentleman to anyone watching.
But Emily knew better.
She searched everywhere the terrace, the ladies’ room, the hallway leading to the catering area but the woman had vanished. As though she had never been there at all.
Sarah finally caught up, slightly breathless. “Emily, what are you doing?”
Emily whirled on her, eyes wild. “You did not see her? She was right there, dancing with Alex!”
Sarah blinked, confusion clouding her face. “Who?”
“Lisa!” The name ripped from Emily’s throat like a plea.
Sarah’s lips pressed into a firm line. “Em... ”
“Don’t!” Emily snapped, chest heaving. “Don’t dare tell me I am imagining things.”
Sarah’s eyes softened, pity flickering where belief should have been. She reached out and clasped Emily’s wrist. “Just… take a breath. People are staring.”
Emily jerked free, her breath ragged. Let them stare. She was not crazy. She knew what she had seen.
\~~~
They returned to their table, but Emily could not sit still. Her eyes darted everywhere, across the dance floor, toward the servers carrying trays of champagne, to the gilded balcony above. She had to find her.
Sarah leaned close, whispering, “Please.... You are making a scene.”
Emily barely heard. Every laugh, every flash of sequins, every movement at the edges of her vision set her on edge. She was a hunter locked on a trail, desperate for her prey.
At one point, she thought she saw the familiar profile slip between two tall men in tuxedos. She rushed forward, nearly knocking over a waiter, but when she reached the spot, there was only empty space and startled guests muttering at her intrusion.
Her hands shook as she returned to the table. The air seemed thick and heavy.
\~~~
Sarah excused herself to greet a colleague. For the first time that evening, Emily was left alone. She sank into her chair, trembling, forcing herself to breathe.
Her purse lay on the table. Something about it looked off it was slightly unzipped, as if someone had touched it.
Her gut twisted. Slowly, she pulled it closer and slipped her hand inside.
Her fingers brushed something soft.
Not hers.
She drew out a folded napkin, slightly damp, faintly smelling of wine and roses.
Her pulse spiked as she unfolded it beneath the cover of the tablecloth.
Four words were written in shaky black ink, stared back at her...
He is going to kill me.
Emily’s vision blurred. The gala spun around her, glitter and laughter muffled into silence. She gripped the napkin so tightly it nearly tore.
Her gaze shot to the dance floor. Alex was still there, laughing at something whispered in his ear. But her eyes were not on him anymore.
Somewhere in this room, Lisa... or someone who desperately wanted her help was alive. And terrified.
Emily’s throat worked soundlessly. She wanted to leap up, to scream, to demand the entire ballroom listen. But she could not. They would just think she was going mad.
\~~~
Sarah returned, smiling politely from her networking exchange, but her smile faltered when she saw Emily’s face. “What happened?”
Emily snapped the napkin shut and shoved it into her purse before Sarah could see.
“Nothing,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “Nothing at all.”
Sarah narrowed her eyes. “Emily... ”
But Emily forced a weak smile and shook her head. “I am fine.”
Sarah did not look convinced, but she let it go, turning her attention back toward the crowd.
Emily sat frozen, her hand clutching the purse tight against her chest. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure the entire ballroom could hear it.
Somewhere in this glittering hall, someone was crying out for help.
And Emily was the only one who knew.