Chapter 6 - The Reunion in Milwaukee
The drive to Milwaukee was a blur of flashing highway lights and heavy snow. Marcus drove his rugged SUV while I watched the rearview mirror, half-expecting Harold’s black sedans to appear out of the darkness at any moment.
Around midnight, we pulled up to a secluded brick estate surrounded by tall oak trees on the outskirts of Milwaukee. The iron gates opened automatically as our car approached.
The front door opened before we even reached the steps. Standing in the warm light of the foyer was the tall man in the dark wool coat—the mystery benefactor from the hospital.
Arthur Vance looked older up close, his face etched with deep lines of grief and determination, but his eyes were identical to the ones in the pocket watch photograph.
"Lauren," Arthur said, his voice trembling as he stepped out onto the porch.
I stood there, clutching my ribs, unable to speak.
Arthur didn't hesitate. He walked over and gently wrapped his arms around me, taking care not to press against my injuries. For the first time in my twenty-four years of life, I felt the warmth of a real family member protecting me.
"I'm so sorry I couldn't pull you out of that house sooner," Arthur whispered into my hair. "I had to wait until I had enough evidence to ensure Harold couldn't hurt you when the truth came out."
"Is David here?" I asked, pulling back, my voice desperate.
Arthur stepped aside. Standing in the doorway behind him was a tall young man with thick dark hair and eyes filled with shock and tears.
David looked at me as if he were seeing a ghost. "Lauren?"
"David..." I choked out.
May you like
He ran down the steps and threw his arms around me, sobbing openly into my shoulder. "He told me you died... He told me you died when you were fourteen..."
"I'm here, David," I cried, holding him tightly despite the pain in my chest. "I'm alive. I'm right here."
