She paused.
"Actually, I'm not sure I should go there anymore."
Walter did not press her.
He had learned that people sometimes needed time before they could explain what had brought them to a stranger's doorstep.
Gabriel placed a small plate of sandwiches on the coffee table.
"Eat something first. Decisions are easier when you're not exhausted."
Emily managed a faint smile.
"Thank you."
For several minutes, the only sounds in the room were the ticking clock and the rain dripping from the gutters outside.
Then Emily spoke.
"I used to think I could handle everything myself."
Walter leaned back.
"Most people think that until life gives them something too heavy to carry alone."
She looked at him.
"Have you ever regretted helping someone?"
Walter considered the question.
"Of course. I've made mistakes. I've trusted people who didn't deserve it. I've spent money trying to solve problems that weren't mine to solve. But I've never regretted treating someone with dignity."
Emily looked down at her sandwich.
"I wish more people thought that way."
"So do I," Walter replied.
Gabriel sat across from them.
"Would you like us to call someone? A friend, perhaps?"
Emily shook her head.
"There's someone I need to contact, but I can't do it tonight."
"That's fine," Walter said. "Nobody here is going to force you."
She took another sip of water.
Then, almost in a whisper, she asked, "Do you know anything about the old Cedar Hollow Community Center?"
Walter looked surprised.
"I do. I helped reopen it last year. Why?"
Emily reached into her coat and removed a folded piece of paper.
It was damp around the edges, and several lines had become difficult to read.
Walter accepted it carefully.
The paper contained a handwritten address, a telephone number, and a name.
Margaret Ellis.
Walter stared at the name.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Gabriel noticed his expression.
"Something wrong?"
Walter turned the paper toward him.
Gabriel frowned.
"Margaret Ellis? Isn't she the woman who used to run the community shelter?"
"Yes," Walter answered quietly.
Margaret had been one of the first people to support Walter when he began helping vulnerable families in Cedar Hollow. She had worked with abandoned children, struggling mothers, and people escaping dangerous situations. She had spent decades helping others, often without receiving recognition or financial compensation.
But Margaret had disappeared from public life several months earlier.
She had reportedly moved closer to her daughter after a period of declining health.
Walter had tried calling her twice without success.
"How do you know Margaret?" he asked.
Emily swallowed.
"She was my mother's best friend."
Walter looked at her again.
"Your mother?"
"Her name was Susan Carter."
The room became very quiet.
Walter remembered Susan.
She had been among the women who came forward during the investigation that had nearly torn Cedar Hollow apart. She had provided testimony about a network of people who had used fear, financial pressure, and intimidation to silence vulnerable residents.
After the investigation ended, Susan had moved away.
Walter had heard that she was rebuilding her life somewhere near the coast.
He had never known she had a daughter.
"Is your mother all right?" he asked.
Emily's expression changed.
"She's gone."
"I'm sorry."
"She died six months ago."
Walter lowered his head.
"I didn't know."
"Nobody in Cedar Hollow did. She didn't want anyone to know how sick she was."
Emily unfolded her hands.
"Before she died, she gave me Margaret's address. She told me that if I ever needed help, I should find her."
"Then why didn't you go directly to Margaret?" Gabriel asked.
Emily looked toward the window again.
"Because someone followed me."
Walter's expression hardened, but his voice remained calm.
"Who?"
"I don't know. A man in a dark pickup truck. I've seen him three times since yesterday. At first, I thought it was a coincidence. But when I stopped at a gas station outside town, he parked across the road and watched me."
Gabriel straightened.
"Did he approach you?"
"No. But when I started driving again, he followed me."
Walter glanced toward the front window.
"Did you see that truck tonight?"
Emily nodded slowly.
"I think so."
"When?"
"About ten minutes before my car stopped working. I saw headlights behind me. They disappeared when I turned onto the old road."
Gabriel stood.
"I'll check the property."
Walter raised a hand.
"Take your phone. Don't approach anyone. If you see a vehicle, write down the registration if it's safe."
Gabriel nodded and walked toward the hallway.
Walter turned back to Emily.
"Listen carefully. You're safe inside this house. We won't confront anyone, and we won't do anything reckless. But if someone is following you, we'll contact the authorities and make sure everything is documented."
Emily's eyes filled with tears.
"I thought I was finally getting away."