Chapter 222

"Emily, is everything ready?" Old Secretary Benjamin approached with his cane, his brow furrowed. Last night, Captain John had urgently called a meeting, and the discussion had sent chills down his spine.

"All set." Emily tightened her grip on the megaphone.

Captain John stepped forward, lowering his voice. "When you speak, say you witnessed David being abducted. Don't mention it happened to you."

Emily understood immediately. Using a child's example would make the warning more impactful.

The assembly ground grew lively as villagers arrived in small groups, carrying stools and holding their children's hands. Some women cradled nursing infants, soothing them as they walked.

Captain John stood on the makeshift wooden platform, scanning the crowd. Satisfied with the turnout, he gave Emily a nod.

"Begin."

Emily took a deep breath and raised the megaphone. Her clear voice echoed across the field:

"Neighbors, what I'm about to share is frightening, but every word comes from the heart!"

The murmurs in the crowd quieted.

"Yesterday, I took my mother to town, and David came with us. Many of you saw us leave." Her gaze swept over the crowd, and several women nodded in agreement.

"We'd just reached the department store when a burly man suddenly rushed out, snatched David, and ran!" Emily's voice rose sharply. "If I hadn't yanked him back, kicked the man, and if David hadn't screamed for help—"

Before she could finish, the crowd erupted.

"Good heavens! Snatching a child in broad daylight?"

"Exactly! The police said enough children have gone missing these past two years to fill a truck!" Emily seized the moment. "After returning, I reported it to Captain John, who immediately called this meeting."

She deliberately credited Captain John. The old secretary stroked his beard approvingly from below the stage.

When the chatter subsided, Emily raised her voice again:

"Do you know where abducted children end up?" She paused for emphasis. "Those who can't be sold have their legs broken and are forced to beg. If they don't bring in money—" She mimed a heart being torn out.

A woman shrieked and clutched her child tighter.

"And girls?" Emily's tone darkened. "Sold to remote villages, chained up, forced to bear children until their bodies give out!"

The field fell silent. Some young girls began to cry.

Emily then detailed anti-abduction measures: how to spot danger, call for help, and even taught children to memorize their parents' names and their brigade number.

"Remember! Candy from strangers could be poison!" She slammed the lectern for emphasis.

After the meeting, several women surrounded Emily, thanking her profusely. A little girl with a red hair ribbon suddenly dashed over and chirped, "Thank you, Aunt Emily!"

Kneeling, Emily gently pinched her cheek. "Promise you'll remember what I said, okay?"

The setting sun bathed the field in gold. Watching the dispersing crowd, Emily exhaled deeply. She knew today's words might truly save lives.