Once. Twice. Three times.
No answer.
He left a message, his voice controlled in a way that frightened even him.
“Melissa, I’m on my way. You have about fifteen minutes to explain why my daughter is soaking wet and afraid. Think carefully.”
A House That Felt Wrong
The house in Magnolia was quiet when Ethan arrived—too quiet.
He didn’t bother closing the car door. Rain soaked through his suit as he forced the front door open.
“Lily!” he shouted.
His voice echoed against hardwood and glass.
He found her in the living room.
Curled into the corner of the leather couch. Small. Shaking. Soaked.
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