Daniel had sent the evidence to federal investigators before leaving the mill.

Every document.

Every photograph.

Every recording.

Every name.

The investigation exploded.

Officials were arrested.

Police officers were suspended.

Several wealthy businessmen were questioned.

The old mill became a crime scene.

And Emma's mother was eventually found alive.

She had been held in an isolated property outside the county.

She was weak.

But alive.

When Emma saw her, she ran.

“Mama!”

Her mother fell to her knees.

They held each other.

Stone stood several feet away.

He looked down.

He had seen many things in his life.

But that moment was different.

Later that afternoon, Emma walked toward Stone.

“Are you leaving?”

“Soon.”

“Will you come back?”

Stone smiled.

“Probably.”

“Promise?”

He crouched.

“I don't make promises I can't keep.”

Emma looked disappointed.

Stone continued:

“But I'll give you my word.”

She smiled.

“What does that mean?”