Chapter 90: The Tractor Chugged Along the Country Road

The tractor chugged along the country road before sputtering to a halt with a dull thud.

"What happened?" Mayor Martin Reed lurched forward, nearly tumbling from his seat.

David Moore smacked the steering wheel in frustration. "We're out of gas, Mayor. Used it all up hauling grain today. I meant to refill tomorrow—"

"You—!" Martin clenched his fists, stomping his foot in anger.

Without hesitation, Elena Ward hopped down from the vehicle. "Arguing won't help. We're halfway there—let's walk." She knew helping Martin was crucial. That wretched grandmother would return to the village eventually, and they'd need the mayor's support to stand up to her.

In the village, the mayor's word was law—land distribution, housing permits, relief grain allocation. Even the domineering Ward family wouldn't dare openly defy him.

Elena refused to repeat past mistakes. In her previous life, her siblings had suffered under their grandmother's cruelty. This time, she needed an ally. Saving Emily would ensure Martin's protection for her and her siblings.

The group trudged forward in the dark, flashlights cutting through the pitch-black night as the wind howled around them.

"Stop right there! Who goes there?" Shadowy figures suddenly blocked their path.

Elena's heart raced. Highway robbery? The crackdown on crime had just ended—who would dare?

"We're from Pinehaven Village!" Martin shone his flashlight, then exhaled in relief. "Adrian?"

Squinting, Elena recognized Adrian Stone's sharp features. Her stomach dropped. Why did she keep running into him?

"What are you doing out here so late—" Adrian began, but Martin quickly explained the situation.

"Get in!" Adrian ordered without hesitation, turning to his comrade. "Jack, drive!"

Elena found herself squeezed into the cab, the faint scent of soap clinging to Adrian's uniform.

"Coming along, Mrs. Stone?" Jack suddenly asked.

Elena's cheeks warmed. "Emily's a young woman. My presence might be... helpful."

Adrian glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Her own mother isn't this concerned," he remarked stiffly.

"I want to help," she shot back.

The cab fell silent, the tension thick enough to hear breathing.

Ten minutes later, the truck screeched to a halt outside a house. A gnarled tree stood stark against the moonlight in the front yard.

Then—a bloodcurdling scream pierced the night before abruptly cutting off.

Martin paled. "That was Emily!"

Elena's heart leaped into her throat.