A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 257

Hearing this, Bernard looked puzzled. “Are you saying you suspect there’s something suspicious about Mrs. Elissa’s parents’ deaths?”

Frank’s gaze darkened. “Yes. But I’m afraid it won’t be easy to uncover the truth. For now, I want you to make this your top priority.”

Bernard nodded. “Understood.”

He had lied to Elissa again.

Up until now, Bernard’s investigation had focused solely on finding people—he hadn’t looked into the circumstances surrounding her parents’ deaths at all. But he needed some way to keep her close. And, in truth, he never really believed what happened back then was just an accident.

He would get justice for her—personally.

Something else occurred to Frank, and he added, “Dig into the Murphy family while you’re at it.”

Based on what Marcia had overheard at the orphanage years ago, Matriarch Paige Murphy’s decision to adopt Elissa had always seemed intertwined with that notorious drug lord.

So it was likely that the deaths of Elissa’s parents were, at least in part, connected to Matriarch Paige Murphy as well.

At that thought, Frank glanced back in the direction of the master bedroom.

Elissa and Rowan had finally reconciled; if it turned out her parents’ deaths were linked to Rowan’s grandmother...

Bernard seemed to read his mind and couldn’t help but ask, a note of worry in his voice, “If this really does lead back to Matriarch Paige Murphy, do you think Mrs. Elissa can handle it?”

Matriarch Paige Murphy was Rowan’s grandmother, after all. And Elissa had grown up with Rowan by her side.

Frank’s concern echoed his own. “Let’s find out the truth first. Until we’re sure, don’t let her know anything.”

As soon as Frank hung up, he saw Edna coming up the stairs with something in her hands, heading straight for the master bedroom.

He called out, “Elissa’s still sleeping. What is it?”

When he opened his eyes again, a red haze rimmed his gaze, stubborn and unyielding. “She’s never leaving again,” he said quietly.

His tone was steady, almost calm, but it sent a chill down Edna’s spine.

After nearly twenty-four hours without eating, Elissa woke with a sharp pain in her stomach.

Her sleep had been restless and disjointed; after everything that happened the night before, fear lingered, haunting her dreams in broken fragments.

The blackout curtains kept the room in darkness. Reaching for her phone, she realized it was already evening.

She rubbed her aching stomach and, as usual, went to the bathroom to freshen up before heading downstairs.

Dusk had settled over the house. Only a few scattered lights kept the wedding home from being swallowed by gloom, the downstairs bathed in a dim, yellowish haze.

Elissa never liked how the house felt after she’d just woken up—so heavy and somber, the darkness hanging in the air.