Chapter 2: The House of Silence
The convoy reached Nathan's neighborhood just after sunset.
Police cruisers had already surrounded the property.
Neighbors stood behind yellow tape, whispering.
Marcus Reed stepped beside Nathan.
"The livestream was deleted after twelve minutes," he said quietly. "But cybercrime recovered everything."
Nathan didn't answer.
He walked toward the front porch.
An officer stopped him.
"Colonel, they're still inside. Let us clear the house."
Nathan nodded once.
Moments later, officers entered through the front door.
"Police! Don't move!"
Shouting echoed through the house.
Then...
A tiny voice.
"Daddy?"
Nathan's heart stopped.
An officer emerged carrying Lily wrapped in a blanket.
Her hair was matted.
Her face streaked with tears.
The strong smell of gasoline lingered on her pajamas.
She reached toward him.
"Daddy..."
Nathan gathered her carefully into his arms.
"I'm here."
She buried her face against his shoulder.
"I knew you'd come."
He closed his eyes.
"So did I."
Inside the living room, Claire, Meredith, Vanessa, Brooke, and Erin were handcuffed.
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The officers had recovered the gas can, multiple phones, and recording equipment.
No one laughed anymore.
