CHAPTER 2 — The Door Helen Couldn't Keep Closed
CHAPTER 2 — The Door Helen Couldn't Keep Closed
No one moved.
Helen forced a smile.
"There must be some misunderstanding."
The officer standing beside the man shook his head.
"There isn't."
The man stepped forward, his military boots echoing across the marble floor.
"My name is Colonel James Carter."
"I'm here under orders regarding Anna Carter."
Helen's smile vanished.
"Anna is my niece."
James looked directly into her eyes.
"No."
"She is the legal daughter of Sergeant Michael Carter."
"And I served beside him."
The room fell silent.
One of Helen's guests slowly set down her coffee cup.
James held up the sealed evidence folder.
"Open the attic."
"Now."
Helen hesitated.
"It's locked because she misbehaved."
James' voice hardened.
"Officer."
The police officer stepped forward.
"Ma'am, either you unlock the door..."
"...or we will."
Helen's trembling hands searched for the key.
Upstairs...
Anna sat alone in the dark attic.
She hugged her knees, trying not to cry.
When the lock finally clicked open, bright light flooded the room.
She blinked.
Then she saw the uniforms.
James knelt immediately.
"Anna?"
She nodded cautiously.
"I'm James."
"I promised your father I'd find you."
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For the first time all day...
The little girl cried.
