Chapter 6 - Sirens in the Dark
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Before Nathan could speak another word, red and blue lights began flashing through the sheer curtains of the living room windows.
Two police cruisers pulled up the driveway, their tires crunching over the gravel.
Nathan heard the sirens and actually smiled. He looked at me as if he had just discovered a winning chess move.
“Let them come,” Nathan whispered, leaning against the kitchen counter with an easy posture. “You think a few cops scare me? It’s her word against mine. And Claire won't say a damn thing.”
He cast a quick, menacing glare toward my daughter behind the island.
Two uniformed officers rushed through the shattered front entrance, their hands resting on their holstered sidearms.
“Police! Everyone keep your hands where we can see them!” the lead officer called out.
Marcus and Simone immediately stepped back, raising their hands calmly and showing their private security credentials.
“Officers,” I said, stepping forward. “I am Evelyn Grant. I made the 911 call. My daughter has been assaulted.”
The lead officer looked around the room, taking in the dirty water on the floor, the broken bucket, and the bruised wrists of my daughter.
He walked over to Claire. “Ma’am, are you injured?”
Claire was trembling so hard her teeth were chattering. She looked at the officer, then her eyes drifted toward Nathan.
Nathan stood there, completely calm, giving her a small, knowing nod—a silent threat that he would make her pay if she spoke up.
The officer noticed the red, swollen marks around Claire’s wrist. “Did he do this to you? Has this happened before?”
Claire froze. The terror was so deeply ingrained in her that her vocal cords seemed paralyzed.
I didn't force her. I didn't pressure her. I simply walked over, placed my coat over her shivering shoulders, and asked one simple question.
“Claire, sweetie... do you want to leave tonight?”
Claire looked at the dirty bucket on the floor. She looked at the half-empty caviar jars on the table.
May you like
Then she turned to me, tears finally brimming in her eyes.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Please take me home.”
