CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY TWO - A Path Filled With Shadows

Detective Martinez's voice crackled in her earpiece. "We see her. Stay calm and act natural. We're running facial recognition now." Deonna took a sip of the new coffee, her mind racing. Was this Emily's way of letting her know she was still watching? Or was it just an innocent gesture from a stranger? The next few minutes felt like hours as Deonna waited for word from the surveillance team. Finally, Martinez's voice came through again. "The woman checks out. She's a local graphic designer, no connection to Emily. But stay alert. This could be a diversion." Deonna let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. As the adrenaline subsided, she felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. How long could they keep this up? How long before Emily made her move? As the days turned into weeks, the strain of constant vigilance began to take its toll. Deonna found herself jumping at shadows, seeing Emily's face in every passing stranger. Logan did his best to support her, but she could