I arrived at the park early, my heart racing with anticipation.
Emily arrived a few minutes later, looking nervous.
"What's going on, Alex?" she asked, as we sat down on a bench.
I took a deep breath before speaking.
"I know about your family's past," I said. "I know about Richard Langley and the witness protection program."
Emily's eyes widened in shock.
"How did you find out?" she asked.
I explained how I had done some research and discovered the connection between her family and Richard Langley.
Emily listened, her eyes filled with tears.
"When we moved here, we were trying to escape our past," she said. "We were trying to start over."
I nodded, understanding.
"But James Langley found you, didn't he?" I asked.
Emily nodded, tears streaming down her face.
"Yes, he did," she said. "And now he's threatening to expose our true identities unless we do what he says."
I felt a surge of anger and protectiveness towards Emily.
"We'll figure something out," I said. "We'll find a way to stop him."
Emily smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Alex," she said. "Just knowing that you're here for me makes me feel safer."
As we hugged, I knew that I would do anything to protect Emily and her family.
And I knew that our friendship was only just beginning.
THE END.