Shadows of Forgiveness

he peered at the clock - it was past midnight. Her h

the cameras near the estate," Lucy cried. "I'v

might find. But the bedroom was empty, no sign of her little girl. Who would take Amelia and why?

help me find her!" she begged. Xavier swore he'd use all his resources to track down those responsible and bring Amelia home. Though their history

r back," he said with fierce protectiveness. Whoever did this would pay dearly for threate

s she read the note clut

or the girl

er. Through her sobs, she phoned him, barely getting the words out.

get there. I'm on my way now." He ended the call and spe

had left. He'd dismantle his entire operation piece by piece to get her b

romise," he soothed, lifting her chin to lock eyes with fierce reassurance

with a blanket. You need to stay strong for Amelia, he said

best men were sweeping the estate for clues while others began tracing recent dist

th danger and high stakes bets. Now all that fearless intensity was focused on bringing Amelia

hurt her. I won't stop until she's back where she belongs, in your arms. His unwavering vow calmed Oliv

ated warehouse near the river. Cameras had s

distraction. You sneak around back and grab Amelia,

, Olivia nodded. Anything

you all walk. But the kidnappers had no intention of

ies. Bursting into a clearing, Olivia's heart stopped - Ame

both. A gunshot echoed and he dropped, clutching his leg. Xavie

ng out. She watched in horror as Xavier lu

g over. No, no, no! Olivia screamed, dragging

nt wail of sirens approaching in the distance. Olivia pressed her hand

bbed, brushing his hair back. We only just

ou... His fingers clasped around a bullet dangling from a chain at Oli

livia swallowed her screams and begged any powers that

p form away to the hospital. Olivia remained, numb hands cra

Xavier's enemies sought vengeance, none of them would ever tru

e her decision. I have to take Amelia and disappear, she told

do what you must to protect her. I won't stop you,

battered cheek. This isn't goodbye, she

ediscovered - if only they survived the turmoil still to come. It was an oath Xav