Chapter 13: The Warning
Dr. Lee's expression was grim as she read the message on her computer. Emma felt a chill run down her spine as she waited for Dr. Lee to explain.
"What is it?" Emma asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dr. Lee's eyes were locked on the screen. "It's a warning," she said. "Someone knows we're investigating the Echo Chamber project, and they're telling us to back off."
Emma's heart skipped a beat. Who was behind the message? And what did they want?
Dr. Lee printed out the message and handed it to Emma. The words were chilling:
"Stop investigating the Echo Chamber project. You're getting close to something you don't want to know. Back off now, or face the consequences."
Emma felt a surge of fear. Who was behind this? And what did they mean by "consequences"?
Dr. Lee's expression was determined. "We're not going to back off," she said. "We're going to keep investigating, no matter what."
Emma nodded, feeling a sense of resolve. They were in this together, and they were going to get to the bottom of it.
But as they continued to investigate, Emma couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows.
Dr. Lee noticed her unease. "Emma, we're going to be okay," she said. "We just need to be careful."
But Emma couldn't shake the feeling that they were in grave danger. Who was behind the warning? And what did they want?
As they delved deeper into the mystery, Emma realized that the truth was more complex than she had ever imagined. The Echo Chamber project was just the tip of the iceberg, and Emma was about to uncover a secret that would change everything.
Suddenly, Emma's phone rang, breaking the silence. She hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Hello?" she said, her voice cautious.
"Emma, it's Ryan," the voice on the other end said. "I need to see you. Now."
Emma's heart skipped a beat. What did Ryan want?
"Where are you?" Emma asked, her voice firm.
"I'm at the lab," Ryan said. "Meet me there. And come alone."
Emma felt a surge of fear. What was going on?
But before she could respond, the line went dead.
Emma turned to Dr. Lee, her eyes wide with fear. "It's Ryan," she said. "He wants me to meet him at the lab."
Dr. Lee's expression was serious. "We'll go together," she said. "We're not going to let you go alone."
But Emma knew that she had to go alone. Ryan had specifically said to come alone, and Emma had a feeling that he was in grave danger.
As they made their way to the lab, Emma couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into a trap.