Chapter 33 - The Safe Room
"He knows we’re fighting back," my father said, gripping his weapon tighter. "He’ll strike soon."
"I know," I said. "We need to move Lily."
I walked quietly into the interior hallway where my daughter was sleeping soundly on a makeshift bed of blankets. I gently scooped her up into my arms. She stirred, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"Mommy? Is it morning yet?"
"Not yet, sweetie," I whispered, kissing her forehead. "We’re going to play a camping game down in the basement. It’s a special birthday adventure."
I carried her down the wooden stairs into the reinforced cellar. During the renovations, I had specifically designed a hidden panic room behind the heavy storage shelves. I pushed the shelving unit aside, revealing a solid steel door.
Inside, the room was stocked with emergency supplies, a ventilation system, and a live feed of the security cameras. I laid Lily down on the cot inside.
"Grandpa is going to stay down here with you and play the camping game," I told her, turning to my father.
May you like
"Emmy, I can't let you stay upstairs alone," he protested in a harsh whisper.
"You have to protect her, Dad," I said, placing a hand on his chest. "If he breaches the house, this door will hold. I need to know you are both safe so I can do what needs to be done."
