The police cruisers and Marcus's SUV pulled up along the curb outside Saint Jude's Shelter. Rain poured down in heavy sheets as Marcus ran out of the car, carrying Toby in his arms while Clara and Officer Miller followed behind.
Marcus: Which floor, Clara?!
Clara: Third floor! Room 304 at the end of the hall!
They rushed up the wooden stairs, their footsteps echoing through the dark building. Clara stopped outside a worn wooden door and knocked softly three times.
Clara: Sarah? It's Clara... I brought someone to see you.
Footsteps approached the door from inside. A metal latch unlocked, and the door opened slightly.
Voice: Clara? I told you it's not safe for you to come here so late—
The door opened fully, and the woman froze in place.
She wore a simple grey sweater and dark jeans. Her dark hair was pulled back, and right above her left eyebrow sat the crescent scar. She looked pale and tired, but her eyes were unmistakable.
Marcus: Sarah...
Sarah: Marcus...? Oh my God... Marcus!
She burst into tears and fell into his arms. Marcus held her tightly, feeling her heart beating fast against his chest.
Marcus: You're alive... You're really alive!
Sarah: I thought you were dead! Vanessa told me you died in the hospital three days after the crash!
Marcus: What?! She told you I died?!
Sarah: Toby! My baby boy!
Sarah dropped to her knees on the floor, pulling Toby into a warm hug. Toby wrapped his arms around her neck, crying tears of joy.
Toby: I knew you were okay, Mommy! I told Uncle Marcus!
Sarah: My brave boy... I missed you so much every single day!
Officer Miller: Mrs. Sterling, I'm Chief Miller. We need you to tell us what happened the night of the crash.
Sarah: Vanessa tampered with my car brakes! When I crashed, two men dragged me out before the car burst into flames!
Marcus: She hired men to pull you out?!
Sarah: They locked me in a private medical facility in the countryside. Vanessa came to my room and showed me fake newspaper articles saying Marcus was dead. She threatened to hurt Toby if I ever returned to the city!
Marcus: She stole your life... She hid you away so she could take over the entire estate!
Sarah: I managed to escape three weeks ago. I had no money or phone, so I came to this shelter. I gave my ring to Clara because her brother needed urgent surgery and I wanted to help her!
Officer Miller: That's conspiracy, attempted murder, and kidnapping. We are issuing an arrest warrant for Vanessa Sterling right now.
Marcus: She's still at the ballroom trying to clear out the trust accounts. We catch her right now.