Chapter 2 - The Unlocked Screen
The heavy oak doors of St. Jude's Episcopal Church slammed shut with a thunderous echo that shook the stained-glass windows.
Two uniformed Fairfax County police officers stepped briskly down the central aisle, their polished leather boots clicking against the marble floor.
Julian adjusted his light blue tie, his dark eyes fixed on his mother with an icy, unforgiving stare.
"Hands where we can see them, ma'am," the lead officer commanded, his hand resting calmly on his duty belt.
Evelyn's breath hitched as her silver brooch glittered under the bright sanctuary chandeliers, her composure completely disintegrating.
Six-year-old Lily clutched her beige teddy bear closer to her chest, her small fingers trembling against her pink cardigan.
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Julian took the smartphone in the light blue case from his daughter's tiny hands, unlocking the glowing display with a familiar passcode.
"Let's see what Clara wanted us to know," Julian said, his voice terrifyingly quiet amid the stunned silence of the congregation.
