Chapter 9 - THE NIGHT THE TWINS DISAPPEARED
The threat came three weeks later.
Claire received a photograph of Oliver and Emma outside their preschool.
A message appeared beneath it.
TELL ALEXANDER TO STOP INVESTIGATING.
Claire's blood turned cold.
She called the police.
Then called Alexander.
He answered immediately.
“Claire?”
Her voice shook.
“Someone photographed the children.”
Alexander went silent.
She sent him the message.
He looked at it.
Then said, “I'm coming.”
Claire swallowed.
“Don't bring anyone who might frighten them.”
“I won't.”
The preschool went into temporary lockdown while police investigated.
For twenty terrifying minutes, Claire couldn't reach the classroom directly.
Then the principal called.
Oliver and Emma were safe.
They had been moved to a secure area.
Claire began crying.
Alexander arrived later that evening.
He found her sitting on the living-room floor with both children asleep against her.
May you like
He stopped in the doorway.
For a moment, he looked like a man who had finally understood the cost of the world he'd built.
