Sophie studied the exit. “What’s back there?”

“That leads to the hotel’s back way. Most of us use it to clock out,” the staff member answered.

Sophie slipped through the door, stepping right into a world that felt like a different planet. The concrete was cracked and uneven. Every utility pole was covered in faded flyers, and cables dangled everywhere, a tangled mess over her head.

Sophie took a cautious step backward.

Given the unfamiliar streets and her rusty grasp of the language, it might be smarter to come back tomorrow, get some help from Angie, and do a real search with backup.

Sophie couldn’t shake the thought of her mother’s face appearing here, in such an unlikely place, under these circumstances.

Turning to the staff member, Sophie handed over her phone number. “If you see her again, keep her there and call Room 1107. My name’s Sophie Barnes.”

She tucked some cash into his palm.

Just as she started to leave, someone called out from behind, “What did you call yourself?”

David had followed her after seeing her dash through the hallway, something about her urgency pushing him to keep up. He didn’t know why, but he couldn’t stay away.

When he heard her introduce herself, David called out, shock written all over his face.

David’s presence finally registered, making Sophie pause mid-step.

A crease appeared between her brows. “Why are you here?”

David didn’t answer her question. “I just heard you. Told the guy your name was Sophie Barnes!”

Sophie shot him a look. “You’ve got it wrong.”

Not ready to let it go, David grabbed her arm. “Why did you use your cousin’s name? What are you up to this time? I knew you were hiding something, coming here with some shady plan!”

“Can you not make a scene?” Sophie tried to wrench herself free, irritation flashing across her face.

David’s grip tightened. “Talk! Why did you pretend to be Sophie? Just admit it—”

As he searched her face, the name and her features tangled together in his mind, leaving him confused and dizzy. A dull ache hammered in David’s skull. “Wait, you—”

That was when Sophie’s eyes locked on a figure slipping past outside the window, just beyond the commotion.

She narrowed her gaze. The woman from the footage was right there, walking away.

Only the woman’s profile was visible as she disappeared around the corner, but the resemblance to her mother was haunting.

Suddenly desperate, Sophie yanked her arm away from David. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to escape David’s accusations or follow the woman who might be her mother.

Without another thought, Sophie took off, dashing through the back door, forgetting all about the safety plan.

Behind her, David hesitated for just a second, then tore after her into the alley.

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