Chapter 18 - The Rushed Return
Julian borrowed a car from one of Vance’s associates and sped back toward the hunting cabin. The sun was fully up now, casting a golden glow over the pine forests. The nightmare was finally over. Victoria was locked away, Marcus was ruined, and Elise was safe.
He pulled up to the cabin and threw open the front door.
"Elise! Silas! It's over," Julian yelled, stepping inside.
The cabin was silent.
Julian’s heart stopped. The medical supplies were scattered across the floor. Silas was unconscious on the couch, breathing shallowly.
But Elise was gone.
"Elise!" Julian roared, tearing through the small bedroom and the bathroom. Empty.
He ran back to Silas, shaking the man awake. "Silas! Where is she? Where is Elise?"
Silas groaned, his eyes rolling back. "Water... broke... contractions."
Julian’s stomach plummeted. Elise hadn't been taken. She had gone into labor early from the severe stress and trauma of the past twenty-four hours. Silas was unconscious, so she must have gone to find help.
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Julian sprinted out of the cabin, looking at the muddy dirt road. There were fresh footprints leading down the path toward the main highway.
She was walking. She was trying to get to a hospital alone.
