Ten Years of Make-Believe

Summary

On the third day of our captivity in the abandoned cannery, Adrian finally found me with his private security team.

I clutched five-year-old Leah in my arms and stumbled toward the light. My coat had long since been torn to shreds, the soles of my feet were mangled by broken glass, and Leah curled against my chest, burning up with fever.

Vera looked relieved to see me alive, but then suddenly turned and walked toward the kidnappers.

"Vera, come back!" My voice was already hoarse from screaming. "They won't keep their word even after they get the money. Leah still has a fever.