I needed to check on Lily and Ethan again.

I walked down the narrow hallway, my bare feet making no sound on the floorboards.

In their bedroom, both children were still asleep.

Ethan had kicked his blanket off, his small foot hanging over the edge of the mattress.

I pulled the blanket back over his shoulders, my fingers trembling as I tucked him in.

I closed their bedroom door until it was just cracked open.

Then I went to the kitchen and grabbed the heavy iron skillet from the stove.

It felt cold and solid in my grip.

I sat on the bottom step of the stairs, staring at the front door.

The brass lock looked so small and fragile against the heavy wood.

I dialed Robert Hayes’s number.

It was 4:12 AM.

I didn’t expect him to answer, but I needed to leave a record.

To my surprise, the call connected on the third ring.

“Clara?” Robert’s voice was sharp, instantly alert.

“Someone is outside,” I whispered.

“Are you safe? Have you locked the doors?”