Chapter 3 - THE FLOORBOARDRachel did not sleep that night.
Sleep was no longer an option.
At 2:17 a.m., she stood in the hallway.
Flashlight in one hand, knife in the other.
The house felt different at night.
Not quiet—watchful.
She entered the guest room slowly.
Every step deliberate.
Daniel had renovated this room years ago.
And he had forbidden anyone from touching the floorboards.
Rachel knelt down.
Her fingers traced the wood.
One board sounded hollow.
Different from the rest.
She pried it open carefully.
A metal box appeared underneath.
No lock. No label.
Just waiting.
Inside were photographs.
Documents. A flash drive.
And an envelope.
Her name written on it.
RACHEL
Her hands trembled slightly.
Not fear—recognition.
She opened it.
A photograph inside.
Vivian. Daniel. A pregnant woman.
Rachel had never seen her before.
Not once in her life.
Another photo followed.
Same woman.
Holding a newborn baby.
A pink hospital bracelet visible.
Rachel read the name slowly.
LILY MORGAN
Her knees weakened instantly.
“No…”
She turned the photo over.
A name was written.
Natalie Hayes
Rachel couldn’t breathe properly.
The room felt smaller.
The door creaked behind her.
She turned sharply.
Lily stood there.
Small, sleepy, confused.
“Mommy?”
Rachel hid everything instantly.
“What are you doing awake?”
“I had a bad dream.”
Rachel forced her voice steady.
“Come here.”
Lily climbed into her arms.
Rachel held her tighter than ever before.
Outside, headlights appeared.
A black SUV.
May you like
Watching.
Waiting.
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