The international response to Fatima Hassan's kidnapping video was swift but Emma knew it wouldn't be swift enough.
By morning, the UN Human Rights Council had issued a statement condemning the kidnapping and calling for Fatima's immediate release. Amnesty International launched an emergency campaign. The Jordanian government—embarrassed by the international attention—claimed they were investigating, though Emma suspected they knew exactly who had Fatima.
But statements and investigations wouldn't save her. Not quickly enough.
Emma sat in her foundation office surrounded by security, watching news coverage of Fatima's case, feeling the weight of impossible responsibility.
Her phone rang. An international number she didn't recognize. Against every security protocol, Emma answered.
"Mrs. Sterling." A man's voice, accented but precise. "I represent interested parties who would prefer the current... situation... be resolved peacefully."
