Chapter 6 - THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT
The power failed during a storm.
Emergency generators started immediately.
Most of the mansion remained illuminated.
But the rehabilitation wing went dark.
I was reviewing Massimo's home exercise plan when the lights flickered out.
A security alarm sounded.
Then stopped.
Massimo looked toward the door.
“That shouldn't happen.”
I reached for my phone.
“No signal.”
His expression changed.
He pressed the wheelchair controls.
Nothing.
The chair had lost power.
“Battery issue?” I asked.
“No. It was charged.”
Footsteps sounded in the hallway.
Then a voice.
“Massimo?”
Luca.
I felt my stomach tighten.
He entered carrying a flashlight.
“Generator malfunction,” he said.
Massimo stared.
“Why is my chair dead?”
Luca shrugged.
“Bad timing.”
I looked at the wheelchair's control panel.
The emergency release had been altered.
Someone had interfered with the equipment.
I stepped back.
“Don't move him.”
Luca frowned.
“What?”
“The chair needs to be inspected.”
He smiled.
“Relax, Elena.”
I looked at him.
“No.”
Massimo watched us.
Something shifted in his expression.
May you like
For the first time, he seemed to understand that the danger might not be outside the house.
It might be standing in the doorway.
