Chapter 6 - THE SECOND EYE
The video on the screen was crystal clear.
It was shot from a low angle, concealed inside the wooden frame of the hallway clock.
The timestamp read 2:15 PM that very afternoon.
The video showed the laundry room door.
It showed Vanessa pushing the small frame of the girl inside.
It showed the heavy brass slide-bolt clicking shut from the outside.
It showed Vanessa walking away, picking up her coffee cup from the console table.
And it showed the door staying locked for two hours.
Vanessa stared at the glowing blue light of the screen.
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
Her hand reached out instinctively to push the phone away, but her fingers stopped inches short.
"Too bad for you," Marcus said, his eyes locking onto hers with a cold, absolute finality.
"That wasn't the only camera in this house."
He pulled the phone back and tapped the emergency contact button.
The speaker crackled.
"911, what is your emergency?"
Marcus didn't look away from Vanessa as he spoke into the microphone.
"I need an officer at 412 Maple Drive."
"Unlawful restraint and child endangerment."
Vanessa turned, her heels sliding violently against the polished tile as she bolted toward the front door.
Marcus didn't chase her.
He didn't need to.
He reached down and lifted Maya back into his arms.
The little girl wrapped her small arms tightly around his neck, burying her face into his suit jacket once more.
Marcus pressed his lips against her temple, feeling her heartbeat steadily slow down against his own.
May you like
Outside, in the quiet suburban distance, a faint siren began to hum.
THE END
