"Pack Sophie's things."

Ethan's voice was calm.

Rachel looked toward the window.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere you choose. The police need to know about the photograph first."

Olivia was already contacting the detective handling the threats.

Ethan's security team checked the exterior cameras.

A dark sedan had driven past the house several minutes earlier.

The vehicle hadn't entered the property.

But one of its occupants appeared to have photographed the driveway.

Rachel held Sophie against her chest.

Her daughter had been asleep.

Now the sudden activity had awakened her.

She began crying.

Rachel bounced her gently.

"It's okay, baby."

But Rachel's own heart was pounding.

She had fled Chicago.

Changed flights.

Stayed with a stranger who had helped her.

And still, Derek's threats had followed.

Ethan approached.

"Rachel."

She looked up.

"You can decide where you want to go. You don't have to stay at one of my properties."

She swallowed.

"I want to go somewhere Derek doesn't know about."

Olivia suggested a hotel with controlled guest access while the authorities investigated.

Rachel agreed.

Within an hour, she and Sophie were settled into a quiet room under arrangements coordinated with the hotel and investigators.

Ethan remained in a separate room nearby.

He didn't insist on entering Rachel's room.

He didn't ask her to give him her phone.

He simply made sure she knew how to contact him if she needed help.

For the first time, Rachel understood why that mattered.

Derek had called control protection.

Ethan was allowing her to make decisions.

Later that evening, Rachel heard a soft knock.

She opened the door.

Ethan stood outside holding a small paper bag.

"I brought dinner."

Rachel looked at him.

"You didn't have to."

"I know."

She smiled faintly.

He handed her the bag.

Then he noticed Sophie sitting on the bed, happily chewing a soft toy.

"How's the boss?"

Rachel laughed.

"Demanding."

"Understandable."

Sophie looked toward him.

Then she reached out both arms.

Ethan paused.

Rachel smiled.

"She remembers you."

He looked almost surprised.

"May I?"

Rachel nodded.

He took Sophie carefully.

The baby patted his tattooed hand.

Then she grabbed his watch.

Ethan looked at Rachel.

"She's expensive."

Rachel laughed so hard she nearly cried.

For a few minutes, the world outside the hotel room disappeared.

Then Olivia called.

Investigators had obtained an arrest warrant for Derek in connection with the financial scheme and the threats against Rachel.

But when officers attempted to locate him at his apartment, he wasn't there.

The apartment had been emptied.

His car was missing.

And a neighbor reported seeing him leave with Marcus Bell.

Rachel looked toward Ethan.

"Marcus is with him?"

Ethan nodded grimly.

Then another message arrived.

This time, it wasn't from Derek.

It was from Daniel Callahan.

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