Chapter 4: The Arrival of the Law
Chapter 4: The Arrival of the Law
Before Vanessa could say another word, she glanced toward the hallway console table. Marcus’s eyes followed her gaze. On the table lay his truck keys, his wallet, and his cell phone charger.
Vanessa made a sudden, desperate dash for the keys.
She was trying to flee before the sirens, which were already wailing in the distance, arrived.
Marcus intercepted her in three long strides. He grabbed her wrist. He didn't squeeze hard enough to leave a mark, but the iron grip made it perfectly clear: she was going nowhere.
"Sit down," he commanded.
It was the exact voice he used to command panicked, green soldiers in a war zone. Vanessa gasped, her chest heaving, and sank into a dining chair as the flashing red and blue lights began to dance across the living room walls.
The front door opened, and two paramedics rushed in, followed closely by Officer Lena Ortiz and her partner.
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The paramedics immediately knelt by Evelyn, applying a neck brace and checking her vitals. As they carefully lifted her onto a gurney, Evelyn’s frail hand shot out, gripping the sleeve of Marcus’s camouflage uniform with surprising strength. She pulled him close, her voice a ragged whisper.
"Don't let her talk first, Marcus," she pleaded, her eyes wide with terror. "She lies faster than the truth can run."
