Chapter 1: The Call They Never Expected
Chapter 1: The Call They Never Expected
The voice on the satellite phone was calm.
"Identity confirmation."
"Arthur Bennett. Retired Team Leader. Authentication Echo-Seven-Two."
A brief pause.
Then:
"Confirmed."
"Status?"
Arthur looked through the truck window.
Lily had fallen asleep from exhaustion.
Blood still stained her collar.
"My daughter has been assaulted."
Another pause.
"Location?"
Arthur gave the address.
The reply came immediately.
"Medical support is already en route."
"And Arthur..."
"Don't touch anything."
"We'll need every piece of evidence."
Twenty minutes later, Lily was admitted to the regional trauma center.
Doctors documented fractured ribs.
A concussion.
Bruising around her neck consistent with strangulation.
Old injuries in different stages of healing.
The emergency physician quietly told Arthur,
"This has been happening for a long time."
Arthur closed his eyes.
May you like
He had spent decades recognizing signs of violence overseas.
He had missed them in his own family.
