Chapter 1: The Man at the Door
Chapter 1: The Man at the Door
The doorbell rang once.
Then twice.
Preston laughed as he walked toward the entrance.
"You actually think your old farmer made it here?"
He unlocked the massive oak door without hesitation.
Standing outside was an elderly man wearing a neatly pressed police chief's uniform.
Silver stars reflected beneath the porch lights.
Behind him stood nearly twenty officers.
Their patrol vehicles filled the entire street.
Red and blue lights painted the mansion walls.
The old man looked directly at his daughter.
His eyes immediately noticed the bruises, the torn dress, and little Lily trembling on the staircase.
For several seconds...
No one spoke.
Then the chief quietly asked,
"Emily... who did this?"
Emily burst into tears.
Preston finally frowned.
"...Who are you?"
The old man slowly stepped inside.
"My name is Thomas Hart."
May you like
He paused.
"Chief Thomas Hart."
