Chapter 10 - The SiegeThat night, James transformed our house into a fortress.
He checked every window latch, set motion-activated floodlights around the perimeter, and stationed himself in the living room with a clear line of sight to both front and back entrances.
"You and Emma sleep in the master bedroom," James told me, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Keep the door locked from the inside. If you hear anything—anything at all—you stay down and dial 911."
"James, please stay up here with us," I pleaded, holding Emma close. "What if they have weapons?"
"I have the home advantage, Sarah," James said calmly, checking his sidearm. "And I am not letting anyone threaten my family in our own home ever again."
It was 3:15 AM when the power died.
The whole house plunged into pitch blackness. The quiet hum of the refrigerator ceased. The digital clock on the nightstand vanished.
Downstairs, the security alarm system let out a sharp, high-pitched beep: Warning: AC Power Disconnected. Battery Backup Active.
My heart hammered against my ribs. "James..." I whispered into the dark, pulling Emma tight against my chest.
Downstairs, I heard the faint sound of glass breaking.
It came from the kitchen—the small window above the sink.
I scrambled off the bed, locking the master bedroom door with a heavy deadbolt, clutching Emma in one arm while my shaking hand dialed 911 on my cell phone.
"911, what is your emergency?"
"Someone is breaking into my house!" I gasped, tears spilling down my face. "They cut the power! 1422 Elm Street!"
"Officers are dispatched and en route," the dispatcher said. "Stay in a safe location."
Downstairs, a voice echoed through the dark house.
"Sarah!"
It was Lauren's voice. High-pitched, unhinged, screeching through the darkness.
"Come down, Sarah! You took everything from me! Mom and Dad hate me now! Marcus is going back to prison because of you! It's your fault!"
Then came a low, heavy crash—the sound of furniture being overturned.
"Where is he?!" Lauren screamed. "Where's your hero husband?!"
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A split second later, a voice rang out through the dark down stairs—low, steady, and deadly.
"Right behind you."
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