Behind Closed Doors

CHAPTER 44

Emily stared eagerly at the scene unfolding before her. The guard handed her brother his clothes, speaking words she couldn't hear. She waited for him to finish and come out, then immediately ran toward him, wrapping him in a big, warm hug.

"Oh God, thank you! Christopher!" she whispered, standing on her toes to get closer to his ear. "Thank you, God," she murmured repeatedly.

Christopher returned her hug gently. His face was emotionless, but his embrace was full of unspoken emotions he was trying hard to hold back.

"Mum... she's dead, right?" he asked, as if struggling to keep his tears at bay.

"We'll talk more somewhere else," Emily pleaded before stepping back from the hug and looking up at him.

"I need an answer, please..." he begged, his eyes filling with tears.

Emily nodded, trying to hold back her own tears. "I'm sorry..."

"Morning, Chief!" a voice interrupted, cutting their emotional exchange short. They turned their attention toward the sound, and Emily immediately recognized the sergeant.

"Moved on to the big guys, huh? I guess if you won't sleep with me, you'll go for someone higher up," he commented, chuckling.

Emily glared at him, her irritation clear as he licked his lips and walked past her, muttering, "I hope it was worth it."

Christopher glanced between them before putting his arm around Emily, drawing her attention back to him.

"Did he ask you for any dirty favours?"He asked as if worried.

"Don't bother about him" Emily answered trying to let go of the discomfort she felt.

"Was it Mark who arranged for my release?" he asked quietly.

"You're free. That's all that matters. Let's go," she replied, turning away from him and starting to walk out.

Christopher followed her. "I asked because the police department said they got a call a few nights ago demanding my release. At least, that's what they told me."

Emily ignored him as they continued walking out of the building.

They stopped at the bus stop.

"I'm just glad you're out," she said, reaching into her bag and pulling out some cash. "It's not much, but I hope it can get you home to Miller and the others, and at least help with food for a while."

"Thank you so much, Emily," he said, leaning in for a side hug. "You're the best sister anyone could ask for."

For a moment, Emily's heart filled with joy. She smiled in his embrace.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I'm glad I could help. Now, please stay away from anything that could get you in trouble again. Take care of our brothers—they need you. I have to go." She patted his cheek gently, and he let her go.

"When will we see you again?" he asked.

The question struck her like lightning. She stared at the cars passing by, unsure if she would ever see them again.

"I don't know. But someday," she replied. "See you then."

The bus pulled up just as she finished speaking. She hopped on, giving him one last smile. Her brothers had become men. It was satisfying to see.

******
Donna walked into the room and saw Emily fixated on the laptop in front of her. Multiple clicks could be heard as she rapidly worked the mouse.

"Have you found any?" Donna asked.

"Oh yes. I got tickets to Dublin for two, but it's hard finding rental houses from here," Emily replied, pausing her clicking and letting out a loud sigh of exhaustion.