Chapter 2: The Whispering Woods
Evan made a split-second decision. He knew the dispatcher, Sarah, was likely in the loop with the local corruption; he couldn't call for backup. He quietly signaled to Sophie to stay put, grabbed his tactical vest, checked his sidearm, and tossed a spare heavy jacket over the girl's small shoulders.
"Sophie, we’re going to go for a ride," he said, his voice hard with newfound resolve. "You’re going to show me exactly where this basement is. Can you do that?"
She nodded, her eyes fierce.
They slipped out the back entrance of the station, avoiding the main desk. The night air was biting, smelling of damp earth and coming rain. As they drove toward the edge of town, the sprawling, neglected Miller estate loomed in the distance like a rotting carcass. The lights of the main mansion were out, but Evan noticed a flicker of activity near the old servant’s quarters—a small, dark shed covered in overgrown ivy.
"There," Sophie pointed, her hand shaking.
Evan pulled the cruiser off the road, hidden by the thick brush of the Whispering Woods. He grabbed his flashlight, but kept it off. He needed stealth. He walked with Sophie close to his side, his hand on the radio, though he didn't dare turn it on. He knew if he called for help, he’d be leading the foxes straight to the hens.
As they reached the shed, Evan heard it—a muffled, rhythmic pounding against wood.
"Leo?" Sophie called out, her voice barely a breath.
A scrape sounded from inside. "Sophie? You came back?"
Evan moved to the door, his heart hammering against his ribs. It was padlocked from the outside. He looked at the rusted key Sophie had brought in the bag. It fit perfectly. With a sharp click, the lock gave way.
The door creaked open, revealing a boy who looked to be about nine, huddled on the dirt floor, his face bruised, his clothes torn. He looked at Evan, fear radiating off him in waves.
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"Is he a bad man, Sophie?" the boy asked, shrinking back.
Evan holstered his weapon and knelt in the doorway, hands raised to show he was unarmed. "I’m the good guy, Leo. I’m here to take you both home."
