Chapter 14 - The Intruder in the Night
The storm escalated into a raging tempest by nightfall. High winds howled around the grand stone house, rattling the windowpanes and bending the branches of the ancient oak trees.
Daniel stayed awake in the dark living room, sitting in a leather armchair with a flashlight in hand. He had moved Rosy from the library to a hidden safe in the master bedroom, placing a replica doll in the glass case as a decoy.
At 2:00 AM, the sharp sound of shattering glass echoed from the library.
Daniel was on his feet instantly. Down the hallway, he saw two shadowy figures moving swiftly toward the library’s display case. They smashed the glass, grabbing the replica doll, unaware that they were being watched.
"Step away from the case!" Daniel shouted, flipping on the overhead lights.
The intruders turned—two hired operatives wearing black tactical gear. One of them lunged at Daniel, swinging a heavy iron pry-bar. Daniel ducked beneath the blow, driving his shoulder into the man's chest and throwing him against the mahogany bookcase. Books rained down like falling leaves.
The second intruder sprinted toward the French doors, holding the decoy doll. But as he reached the threshold, Clara appeared, holding a heavy brass floor lamp like a staff. With surprising speed and fierce motherly protective instinct, she swung the base into the intruder's knees, sending him crashing to the floor.
Outside, the siren of a police cruiser wailed through the storm, called by Mr. Bowers who had alerted the local sheriff. The two intruders panicked, abandoning their gear and fleeing into the dark, pouring rain empty-handed.
Clara stood breathing heavily, her hand instantly reaching down to protect her belly. Daniel rushed to her side, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
May you like
"Are you okay? Is the baby okay?" Daniel asked frantically.
"We are fine," Clara breathed, leaning against his chest as Mira ran down the stairs, hugging both their legs. "But Julian Sterling is getting desperate, Daniel. He won't stop until he burns us down."
