Trevor had listed the cabin as collateral, claiming he already owned it.

The application was dated three months ago.

He had been planning this before he even filed the lawsuit.

He had convinced our father to back him by promising a family legacy.

It was all a lie.

I took a deep breath and pulled my phone from my pocket.

The screen lit up, showing no service.

The storm had knocked out the cell tower on the ridge.

I couldn’t call the sheriff.

I couldn’t call Kelsey.

I had to wait him out.

A sudden beam of light cut through the small high window of the springhouse.

A flashlight was sweeping the backyard.

He was coming back.

The light danced across the stone ceiling above my head.

“Meredith!” he yelled, his voice cracking.

“I’m not leaving without that folder!”

He threw his weight against the door.

The old hinges creaked.

The iron bolt bent slightly in its bracket.

I grabbed the folder and stood up, backing into the furthest corner.

There was no other exit.

I was trapped.

The door creaked again under another heavy blow.