on's

r. Weeks have passed since that remarkable evening with Emma, and her memory persists even with my empire's cea

m, their laughter and clinking drinks filling the air. Though the event is successful, my head is elsewhere. Emma

g courteous grins and solid handshakes. Looking at the s

tense and forceful. "We should ha

ly? I inquire, moving away fro

diner. She says, her voice shakin

error squeezing my gut. I head for the diner, excusing myself from th

relic from another age. It is the ideal venue for a secret gathering and feels lik

e seat across from Emm

coffee with shaking hands. Wilson, I

s pregnant. Two- twins As I consider the enor

? With a calm voi

eyes. Yes, I am certain. Henry a

are lethal right away. Should Henry learn,

uire, my voice betraying its ed

But you were cold and remote when I came to you. Wil

mine. Emma, I'm sorry. I meant not t

mistrust and hope. Wilson, I want your ass

answer, "I will."

her. Two men wearing dark suits walk in, their faces aus

eave," I murmured,

eady here. Emma is grabbed by

the second man blocks my rout

ismissively. "Mr. Carter asks

nywhere with you

says, "Too bad." You

table diner is today a picture of disorder. Emma's eyes widen in terro

st her kidnapper, "Wilson

to Henry. Alright, I say, raising my hands in surrend

ing shoved into the black SUV; her face is pallid and tear-streaked. Dr

wn warehouse. The men drag us out and march us insi

sarcastic tone. Wilson Sinclair

nry?," I asked, my vo

" staring squarely at Emma. "W

have to protect Henry and our children even though I know I cannot lie

For some time now, I have been dubious about Emma.

ore what is gonna happen. You will tell me everythin

, my head whirli

reaks in, his voic

one. Henry grabs it and skimming the communication

dds, his voice frigid. The

face goes white.

. Have you not been lying to me?

at Emma. Knowing what he is ab

ghting the men who ke

igger. Tension permeates the ro

and a group of masked guys with weapons drawn charges in. As they co

ad wide in her eyes. " W

, "I'm not sure." But

ent. I seize Emma's hand and drag her toward the door. Covering our retre

fire. I glance back to see Henry's outraged visage

g off from the turmoil. Emma and I sat in shock

a questions, he

ve to get down and find someplace safe.

staring at you. And th

swear. First, though, we

s the car races across the black streets. Henry Carter is a dangerous ma

r future. The stakes are never lower, and the road forward is dangerous.