“This is over, Vance,” I said.

Vance’s eyes darted to the doorway behind me.

His hand drifted toward his pocket.

“I can’t let you leave this room with that paper, Daniel,” he said.

His voice had gone flat and cold.

He took a step toward me.

In the dim light of the pantry, I saw the metallic glint of something in his hand.

It was not a pen.

My heart stopped.

Ruth gasped behind me.

At that exact moment, a bright light washed through the kitchen window.

Red and blue strobes began to flash against the white tiled walls.

The sound of a heavy car door slamming echoed from the driveway.

Vance froze.

His eyes went wide with terror.

My phone in my pocket began to vibrate violently.

I pulled it out, keeping my eyes fixed on Vance.

The screen lit up.

It was Dr. Shah calling from the hospital.

I pressed the button to answer the call.

I kept my eyes on Vance’s hand.

“Daniel?” Dr. Shah’s voice came through the speaker.

“I need to call you right back, Doctor,” I said.