Chapter 2: The Knock at the Door
The three knocks echoed through the house like a countdown no one could stop.
Nobody moved.
My father slowly released my throat, his rough fingers lingering for a split second before dropping to his side.
The room fell into complete silence.
Only my ragged breathing disturbed it.
Brandon stared at the phone in my hand, his face draining of color.
"Emily..." he whispered.
For the first time in years, I heard fear in his voice.
Not concern.
Fear.
My mother looked from my father to the blinking red light on my phone.
"Please," Diane said softly. "Delete it."
I didn't answer.
Another knock came.
This time louder.
Richard cleared his throat.
"I'll handle it."
"You won't," I replied.
He stopped walking.
"I invited them."
His shoulders stiffened.
Slowly, I walked toward the front door, every step hurting more than the last.
Cancer had weakened my body.
But today it wasn't going to weaken my resolve.
When I opened the door, Attorney Jonathan Mercer stood beside Detective Laura Hayes.
Jonathan carried a leather briefcase.
Laura carried a folder.
Both had calm expressions that instantly shattered whatever confidence my family still had.
"Ms. Carter?"
"Yes."
"We're exactly on time."
I stepped aside.
"Please come in."
The detective looked around the room before her eyes settled on the red marks circling my neck.
Her expression changed immediately.
"Who did that to you?"
May you like
Nobody answered.
She didn't need one.
