Chapter 6 - Shadows on the Driveway
Two headlights cut through the front window blinds, sweeping across the dining room ceiling like long, sweeping searchlights. The yellow glow painted bars of shadow over the birthday cake, the pastel balloons, and the three frozen adults.
Maya peeked out from David’s neck, drawn again by the moving lights. She made a soft, questioning sound—""Da?""—her fingers pointing toward the window.
""Kill the candle,"" Marcus commanded in a harsh whisper.
Elena didn't hesitate. She blew hard against the tiny flame. The golden light died instantly, leaving behind a wisp of gray smoke that curled up into the darkness. The sweet smell of birthday sugar turned instantly into the bitter stench of charred wick. The living room plunged into near-blackness, illuminated only by the faint, rhythmic sweep of the rain outside and the glare of the car idling in the drive.
""David,"" Elena breathed in terror. ""Who is in that car?""
""Galloway's crew,"" Marcus said, pulling a short, heavy steel revolver from the waistband beneath his leather vest. ""They didn't wait for my call.""
David immediately reached behind his back, unclipping the safety straps of Maya's carrier. He slipped her gently out of the harness and handed her into Elena's trembling arms. ""Go to the laundry room pantry. Lock the inner bolt. Don't come out no matter what you hear.""
""David, no—""
""Elena, go!"" he hissed.
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Elena clutched Maya against her chest, her hand cupping the back of the baby's soft head. Maya let out a sharp cry of protest at being jostled in the dark, her small voice cutting through the house.
Instantly, outside on the porch, a heavy boot struck the front steps.
