Chapter 5 - An Ally in the Shadows
I couldn't just call 911 blindly.
If a squad car rolled up to Number 412 with sirens blaring, Marcus Kane—a violent man pushed into a corner—might grab Elena, execute her, or barricade himself inside with weapons. If he suspected the police were coming because of me, he could easily shoot through my front windows before anyone arrived.
I needed someone I could trust implicitly. Someone with badge authority who could coordinate an overwhelming, silent response.
I picked up my cell phone and dialed a private number I hadn't called in nearly two years.
The line rang twice before a deep, calm voice answered. "Miller here."
"Nathan," I said, keeping my voice low and controlled. "It's Clara Evans."
A pause on the other end. "Clara? Good Lord, it's been a while. Are you okay? Is something wrong with the house?"
Nathan Miller had been my late husband’s closest friend and a decorated captain with the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. When Mark passed away, Nathan had checked on me every single week until he was certain I could stand on my own two feet.
"Nathan, listen to me very carefully," I whispered. "I don't have much time. I need you to run a name for me right now. Marcus Kane."
The silence on the other end was instantaneous and heavy. I could hear the rustle of papers and the sudden clicking of keys.
"Clara, where did you hear that name?" Nathan’s voice had lost all its casual warmth; it was now razor-sharp, steel-edged police commander.
"He's next door, Nathan. He bought the vacant house beside mine under an alias, but he just came to my porch. And Lily and Mia Vance are sitting at my kitchen table right now."
"Jesus Christ," Nathan muttered, exhaling sharply. "Clara, stay exactly where you are. Are the girls hurt?"
"Bruised, malnourished, terrified, but alive," I said. "He knows they got out. He came looking for them. I lied to his face and told him I hadn't seen them, but he’s suspicious. He's pacing his yard. Nathan, the news report said Elena Vance is with him. She’s inside that house."
"Listen to me, Clara," Nathan commanded, his voice steadying mine. "Marcus Kane is armed and extremely dangerous. We believe he's carrying a modified semi-automatic rifle and a Glock. The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force has been hunting him across three states. He attacked David Vance with an iron pry bar—David only came out of his coma four days ago."
Tears pricked my eyes at the mention of their father. *He woke up. Their daddy is alive.*
"How fast can you get here?" I asked.
"I’m at headquarters in Harrisburg. It’ll take me forty minutes with full lights and sirens, but I can dispatch county tactical units right now. They can be on your perimeter in twelve minutes."
"No sirens, Nathan!" I pleaded. "If he hears sirens, he’ll kill Elena. Or he’ll realize the girls are here and kick my back door down. You need to set a perimeter quietly. Please."
"Understood. Silent approach. Unmarked tactical units only. Clara, get those girls into the most secure room in your house. Lock the door. Do not peek out the windows. I am mobilizing the team right now. I’ll keep this line open."
"Hurry, Nathan," I said. "Please hurry."
I hung up, heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird.
Twelve minutes. I had to keep the girls hidden and keep Marcus unaware for at least twelve minutes.
May you like
Then, from the backyard, I heard the faint, distinct rattle of my wooden privacy fence.
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