Chapter 11 - Linda’s Bargain
Linda requested a meeting from prison.
She refused to speak with detectives.
She would talk only to Emily.
James objected immediately.
“She has manipulated you before.”
“I know.”
“She helped Ryan hurt you.”
“I know that too.”
But Emily needed answers.
The meeting took place behind reinforced glass.
Linda looked older than Emily remembered. Her hair had turned gray near the roots, and the confidence in her eyes was gone.
“You found the photograph,” Linda said.
“Ryan is Victor and Susan’s son.”
Linda nodded.
“My sister was seventeen. Our parents would have thrown her out. I raised him as mine.”
“And when he became violent, you protected him.”
“I protected the boy I raised.”
“You protected an abuser.”
Linda lowered her eyes.
Then she whispered, “Victor is going to take Noah.”
Emily gripped the telephone.
“He won’t get near my child.”
“You don’t understand. Victor believes Noah is his second chance. He thinks he can raise Ryan’s son correctly and erase what happened.”
“Where is he?”
“I’ll tell you—but I want something first.”
Linda wanted Emily to speak at her parole hearing.
She wanted a reduced sentence.
Emily stared at the woman who had blamed her for every bruise.
“No.”
Linda’s face hardened.
“Then Victor will disappear with your baby.”
Emily leaned closer to the glass.
“You still think fear controls me.”
She placed the phone down.
Before walking away, she turned back.
“It doesn’t anymore.”
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That night, Linda was found unconscious in her cell.
Someone had tried to silence her.
