Chapter 2 - SHATTERED SILENCE
The back door clicked open.
A draft of cold suburban air swept across the heated floorboards.
Marcus stepped into the entry hall.
He loosened his navy silk tie with his right hand, his leather briefcase heavy in his left.
The briefcase hit the floorboards with a dull, heavy thud.
The sound of his daughter’s muffled whimper reached him before he could drop his coat.
He moved.
Fast.
His dark blue suit jacket caught the edge of the doorway as he rounded the corner into the kitchen.
The sight made his blood turn to ash.
Vanessa’s knuckles were white, embedded in Maya’s scalp, pulling the girl off her feet.
Marcus didn't speak.
He didn't call out a name.
He lunged forward, his broad shoulder slamming directly into Vanessa’s side.
The collision sent her stumbling back against the white cabinetry.
A crystal vase rocked on the counter, then settled.
Vanessa gasped, her silk blouse rumpled, her manicured hand flying to her hip.
"Marcus?!"
He ignored her completely.
He dropped to one knee, his knees cracking against the hard tile.
His hands swept under Maya’s arms, pulling her small body instantly off the stool and against his chest.
The little girl collapsed into him.
Her tears came all at once—hot, heavy, and silent at first, then bursting into ragged hitches.
Her face buried itself into the notch of his collarbone.
Marcus wrapped his arms around her, his hand cradling the back of her head where Vanessa’s fingers had been seconds before.
May you like
He felt the feverish heat of her small forehead.
He felt her heart beating like a trapped bird against his ribs.
