Chapter 18 - The Woman in the Red Coat
The photograph contained an address.
Maya and Frank followed it to a train station.
A woman in a red coat stood near the far platform.
Maya knew immediately.
Elizabeth.
Her mother turned.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Elizabeth whispered:
“Maya.”
Maya ran toward her.
They embraced.
Twenty-six years of anger broke apart in seconds.
Maya cried against her shoulder.
“Why did you leave me?”
Elizabeth held her tightly.
“Because they threatened to kill you.”
“You should have come back.”
“I tried.”
“When?”
“Every year.”
Maya pulled away.
“Then why didn’t I see you?”
Elizabeth looked toward the station entrance.
“Because someone always found me first.”
Frank approached.
“Victor?”
Elizabeth shook her head.
“No.”
She looked at Maya.
“The person who has been watching you is someone you trust.”
Maya’s blood ran cold.
“Who?”
Elizabeth glanced at Frank.
Frank’s expression changed.
Elizabeth whispered:
“Your brother.”
Maya froze.
“My brother is in the hospital.”
Elizabeth shook her head.
“No.”
“He has been sick for months.”
“He has been pretending.”
Maya’s phone vibrated.
May you like
A message appeared.
“COME ALONE TO THE HOSPITAL.”
