Chapter 10 - THE NIGHT THE SAFE HOUSE BURNED
The attack came three nights later.
Tessa was asleep when the fire alarm sounded.
She woke to smoke.
Her heart stopped.
“Lily!”
She ran into the hallway.
Flames were spreading near the rear entrance.
A security officer shouted for everyone to evacuate.
Tessa grabbed Lily.
Wrapped her in a blanket.
And hurried toward the front exit.
Outside, police vehicles were arriving.
Gideon stood near an unmarked car.
He had been notified by the protective detail.
When he saw Tessa carrying Lily, he ran toward them.
“Tessa!”
She stumbled.
He caught her elbow.
“Are you hurt?”
She shook her head.
“Lily—”
He looked at the child.
Lily was coughing but conscious.
Paramedics took them for evaluation.
Tessa watched smoke rise into the night sky.
Her hands shook.
Gideon stood beside her.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Tessa whispered, “He found us.”
Gideon's jaw tightened.
“Maybe.”
She looked at him.
“What do you mean?”
He nodded toward the investigators.
“They're going to find out who started that fire.”
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Tessa stared at the burning building.
And realized the danger wasn't over.
