**Chapter 8: The Call for Help**

The voice on the other end of the line continued to ask Emma questions, trying to get her to stay calm and provide more information. Emma did her best to answer, her mind racing with fear as she kept her eyes fixed on Max's furious face. She could see the anger and frustration building up inside him, and she knew she had to keep him at bay. As she waited for the police to arrive, Emma slowly backed away from Max, her eyes never leaving his face. She moved towards the door, trying to put as much distance between herself and Max as possible. The phone was still clutched in her hand, and she held it up like a shield, ready to use it as a weapon if necessary. Max took a step closer to her, his eyes blazing with fury. "You're not going to get away with this," he spat, his voice low and menacing. Emma felt a surge of fear, but she stood her ground, her eyes fixed on the door. Just as Max was about to make another move, Emma heard the sound of sirens in the distance. Her heart leapt with hope as she realized that help was on the way. She took another step back, her eyes fixed on the door, and that's when she saw it - a glimmer of light, a chance to escape. With a surge of adrenaline, Emma turned and made a run for the door. She flung it open and sprinted out into the hallway, not stopping until she was safely outside the building. She didn't dare look back, fearing what she might see. As she emerged onto the sidewalk, Emma saw a police car pulling up to the curb. Two officers jumped out, their guns drawn, and Emma felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was safe. The officers approached her, their faces concerned. "Ma'am, are you okay?" one of them asked, his voice gentle. Emma nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. The officer took the phone from her hand and listened for a moment before speaking into it. "We have a 10-97 at this location. The suspect is inside the building. We're going to need backup." As the officers moved to secure the building, Emma felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe, and Max was going to pay for what he had done. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, and that's when she saw him - a familiar face, standing across the street, watching her. It was Detective James, the man who had been investigating Max's activities for weeks. He nodded at her, a look of concern on his face, and Emma felt a sense of gratitude towards him. She knew she owed her life to him, and she was grateful that she was safe. As the police surrounded the building, Emma knew that it was over. Max was going to face justice, and she was going to be okay. She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of closure wash over her, and that's when she saw the tears streaming down her face. She was finally safe, and she could finally let go.