Chapter 42: The Police Was Here

Darkness had already come when, Alice finished dealing with Casey.

Alice returned to the hotel feeling a heavy weight settle on her shoulders. The day had been far from ordinary, and every muscle in her body ached with exhaustion. Yet, there was no time to rest—not when Emily needed her.

She stepped into the bathroom, filled the tub with warm water, and gently washed the grime off Emily's small frame. The little girl was quiet, clutching Alice's hand tightly, her wide eyes reflecting the lingering fear from earlier. Alice's heart ached as she scrubbed away the day's horrors, wishing she could do the same for Emily's memories.

Once Emily was clean and dressed in her favorite pajamas, Alice allowed herself a moment to clean up. The warm water washed over her, but it did little to soothe the storm of thoughts brewing in her mind. She replayed the events of the day—the kidnapping, the desperate chase, the fight, and Casey's punishment. It had all happened so fast.