shook so violently that she nearly dropped the phone. She clutched it against her chest, as though it we

you in a sec

barely audible. "I t

fficers are on their way. Stay where you are

g for the latch on the closet door

spered. "Ther

idden and sta

to hear any sounds from the house. The only thing louder than her

e was

scream. The soft shuffle of footsteps grew lou

muffle the terrified gasp that threatened to escape. Her

rknob r

ut, willing herself to disappear, to become invisible. The doo

dare breathe. She heard the faint rustle of fabric, the scrape of shoes against the floor. Whoe

er mother downstairs, oblivious to the danger lurking in their home. She thought o

thought of

really have followed her here? Her thoughts s

rsed under their breath. The sound was sharp, male. A chair scraped against

ne. She had to get out of here. If the pe

oice cut through her pani

er voice barely audible

ess than two minute

to that shred of hope. Two minutes.

ing toward the closet. Her breath caught

lease

r creak

ing-but before she could react, the sound of sirens pierced the night air. Red an

truder

treating toward the window. Glass shatte

!" Sophia hissed

ne," the operator confir

ots on the porch and the shouts of police officers filling the house. The

her bedroom door. "Pol

acked as she call

ide, his flashlight cutting through the shadows. His

," he said gentl

herself to move. The officer guided her toward the

ho it was?" th

r voice barely a whisper.

. "We'll do everything we c

ood in the living room with a dazed expression, still clutching her

She couldn't count on her mother-not no

o a halt at the curb. She jumpe

shouted, rushi

into a tight hug. For the first time since t

ly whispered. "

the flashing lights illuminated the dark street, S

n in her house

ither