Chapter 2 - The Perimeter
I escorted Sarah to my truck, making sure she was comfortable in the passenger seat.
She looked at me with tired, tear-filled eyes.
"Dad, what is going on in there?" she asked softly.
"Derek and I are just having a long overdue conversation about responsibilities," I lied with a reassuring smile.
"I booked you a suite at the downtown plaza for the next few days so you can sleep without hearing video games."
Sarah nodded exhaustedly, too worn out to argue with my decision.
After I drove her to the hotel and ensured she was safely checked into her room, I returned to the suburban house.
Derek was sitting on the sofa, staring at the blank television screen with a sullen expression.
"Stand up," I barked, my drill instructor voice echoing off the walls.
"We are going to deep clean this entire house, starting with the kitchen."
Derek rolled his eyes and crossed his arms defiantly.
"I am not your private maid, old man," he sneered.
I walked over to the coffee table and picked up a heavy glass ashtray.
I threw it directly at the television screen, shattering the expensive display into a thousand jagged pieces.
Derek jumped back, screaming in pure shock.
"I said, we are cleaning the kitchen," I repeated softly.
He stared at the ruined electronics, realizing for the first time that I was completely serious.
For the next six hours, I stood over him as he scrubbed floors, washed dishes, and bagged up mountains of trash.
His hands were blistered, and his designer shirt was soaked in sweat.
By midnight, he collapsed onto the kitchen tiles, gasping for breath.
"I cannot do this anymore," he sobbed weakly.
"You are doing fine, recruit," I said, handing him a glass of water.
Suddenly, the motion sensor lights in the backyard flashed on, flooding the kitchen with harsh white light.
I immediately grabbed Derek by the collar and pulled him down below the window line.
"Stay down and stay quiet," I whispered aggressively.
A loud crash echoed through the house as a brick shattered the glass of the back patio door.
The heavy stone skidded across the floor and hit the kitchen island.
Wrapped around the brick was a piece of dirty paper held together by thick black tape.
I carefully untaped the paper and unfolded it under the moonlight.
May you like
Written in dark red ink were four terrifying words.
"Time is up, Derek."
