In the car, Eleanor called Ethan. After a few rings, he picked up.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice filled with urgency.
Eleanor paused. She realized she only ever called Ethan when something serious had happened. Today was no different... though the reason wasn’t dramatic, she was emotional. Visiting her mother’s grave had stirred feelings she hadn’t anticipated. She wanted to talk to her daughter. And since Ethan was with Freya, she reached out.
"I’m fine," she finally said. "Is Freya behaving?"
"Yes. She’s been a good girl. You don’t have to worry. I’ll stay with her until you get back."
"Thank you. After yesterday’s incident, I just couldn’t relax knowing she was only with her nanny."
"Don’t mention it. She’s my daughter too."
A lump rose in Eleanor’s throat. She had never asked Ethan to be involved, yet he had stepped up without question.
"I just visited my mother’s grave..." she whispered, her voice trailing off.
Sensing her shift in mood, Ethan responded gently, "Don’t be sad. Freya’s been asking for you. Talk to her. It’ll help."
He quickly handed the phone to their daughter, eager to lift Eleanor’s spirits.
"Hello, Mommy! When are you coming back?" Freya’s cheerful voice rang out.
"I need a little more time, sweetheart. I’ll be back this evening."
"Okay! I’m playing with Daddy. But you should come back soon... I missed you."
"I miss you too. Be a good girl and don’t tire Daddy out. I’ll bring you a gift."
"I want ice cream!"
Eleanor laughed. "Then ice cream it is."
The mother and daughter talked for a few more minutes. Meanwhile, the convoy sped along the highway toward Edgbaston, the wind brushing against the tinted windows like a soft whisper.
***
At the Grand Birmingham Hotel, in the top-floor presidential suite, Brian Morgan paced anxiously with his phone in hand. His forehead was creased with frustration as he awaited a call confirming his emergency flight to Los Angeles.
Louis Turner watched him with a frown. "Mr. Morgan, I really don’t get it. Why is someone like you so rattled about a young woman? What’s her background?"
Brian sighed and finally stopped pacing. "It’s okay if you don’t understand. As your friend, I’m telling you her identity... but don’t share this with anyone. Now, listen carefully."
He paused, making sure Louis was paying attention.


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