Together, we slipped into our coats, adrenaline keeping us warm against the chill of the night.
The front yard was empty, the street quiet. I clutched Caleb’s hand, both of us peering into the darkness for any sign of Ethan or the woman from the phone.
Within minutes, red and blue lights flashed at the end of the street, growing brighter as a police car pulled up to the curb. Relief crashed over me, the weight of fear lifting just enough to breathe easier.
Two officers stepped out, their presence a reassurance.
One approached, his expression a mix of concern and readiness. “Are you the ones who called?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice finding strength. “We’re the ones.
He tried to poison us… my husband.
We need protection.”
“Don’t worry,” the officer said, his tone firm and comforting. “You’re safe now.
We’ll take it from here.”
As we were led to the safety of the police car, I squeezed Caleb’s hand again. We’d made it through the night, through Ethan’s betrayal.
Whatever came next, I knew we’d face it together, stronger than ever.
