Chapter 39
CHAPTER 39 — THE VISITOR IN THE REEDS
That night, a massive coastal fog rolled into Montauk, reducing visibility to less than three feet. The small cabin felt incredibly isolated, the only sound being the rhythmic, haunting groan of a nearby foghorn.
Inside, Alexander stood by the window, his hand resting on his service pistol. Claire was packing a single duffel bag. They had stayed in one place too long. It was time to move again.
"Lily, put your shoes on," Claire whispered, walking into the small bedroom.
Lily was standing by the back window, staring out into the tall marsh reeds that lined the edge of the property. The moon occasionally broke through the thick fog, casting long, eerie shadows across the tall grass.
"Mommy," Lily whispered, her voice trembling. "Someone left something on the porch steps."
Claire’s heart stopped. She crept toward the front door, her pistol drawn and cocked. She cracked the wooden door open an inch, looking down at the weathered steps.
Resting on the top step was a small, pristine, white cardboard box.
It was wrapped in a faded pink ribbon—the exact same ribbon Anna Carter had used to tie the original box at the engagement dinner three months ago.
Claire opened the door fully, her eyes scanning the dark, foggy perimeter. "Anna?!" she called out into the wind. "Anna, is that you?!"
No answer. Only the howling of the wind.
Claire picked up the box, bringing it inside and slamming the heavy wooden bolt lock into place. Alexander stood guard at the window, his eyes wild with tension.
With shaking hands, Claire tore off the ribbon and lifted the lid.
May you like
Inside the box was a pair of tiny, beautiful baby shoes. But they weren't red. And they weren't blue.
They were cast in a deep, absolute, midnight black leather.
