I stopped to help a woman who was dy//ing on the side of the road and lost my job because I arrived late, but when I returned to collect my things from my desk, my entire life was about to change.

“I slept beside him.”

“You didn’t know.”

“I gave him everything.”

Eleanor closed her eyes.

“So did I.”

Later that evening, as investigators prepared to leave, Claire approached me.

“Christopher.”

I turned.

She looked exhausted.

“Technically…”

She gave a strained laugh.

“You’re family.”

Neither of us knew what to say.

Then my phone vibrated.

An unknown number had sent a message.

YOU SHOULD HAVE KEPT DRIVING.

Beneath it was a photograph of my house taken from across the street.

Through the illuminated front window, I could clearly see Sophie and Lucy.

My daughters were inside.

And someone was watching them.

Part 6 — The Threat Against My Daughters

I barely remember leaving the conference room.

There was an elevator, Daniel calling instructions, security officers moving quickly, and Eleanor grabbing my arm.

Then I was inside a black SUV speeding toward my neighborhood.

I called Sophie.

No answer.

I called again.