Chapter 3 - Meredith’s Suspicious Reaction Downstairs
Downstairs, the grandfather clock in the front hallway chimed twice, signaling that time was rapidly running out before the piano recital.
“Harrison! Chloe! Are you both ready yet? The traffic on Route 9 is going to be a nightmare if we don't leave right now!” Meredith called out.
Her voice sounded light, cheerful, and entirely detached from the horrific nightmare unfolding upstairs in our daughter’s bedroom.
I gently lowered Chloe’s shirt, pulling it back over her bruised skin and giving her a reassuring, steady smile.
“Listen to me, Chloe. Grandpa Richard will never hurt you again. I promise you that with everything I am,” I told her firmly.
She wiped her cheeks with her sleeve and offered a small, trembling nod of trust that broke my heart into pieces.
“Go brush your face and grab your recital books. I’ll meet you downstairs in sixty seconds,” I instructed quietly.
As I stepped out of her bedroom into the hallway, my hands were shaking with an adrenaline rush I couldn't suppress.
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I walked down the stairs, finding Meredith standing by the front door adjusting her pearl necklace in the mirror.
She turned around with a bright smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, holding out Chloe’s pink recital jacket.
