Chapter 2 - The Tear in the Wallpaper
Silence dropped like an anvil over the dimly lit luxury hallway as six-year-old Lily pointed her trembling, bruised finger at the floral wallpaper.
The two armed police officers froze in their tracks, their tactical flashlights cutting through the dust motes hanging in the heavy air.
"What did she just say?" Detective Miller demanded, his hand dropping lower toward the leather holster on his duty belt.
David didn't answer; his short dark hair was wild with sweat as he stared at the ragged tear revealing hollow drywall beneath the floral pattern.
Beside him, fourteen-year-old Ethan held his younger sister against his charcoal hoodie, his knuckles white as he squeezed her small shoulders.
Evelyn scrambled off the polished hardwood floor, her emerald green cowl-neck dress rumpled as she tried to smooth her disheveled blonde hair.
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"She’s a traumatized, hysterical child who doesn't know what she's talking about!" Evelyn hissed, her diamond drop earrings swaying wildly.
"Shut your mouth, Evelyn!" David roared, his navy suit jacket straining as he turned toward his wife with eyes full of murder.
