Chapter 6 - The Poisoned Apple
Clara flipped the bright overhead light switch, completely illuminating my hiding spot behind the boxes.
She smiled warmly, looking more like a friendly neighborhood mother than a ruthless serial killer.
She praised my impressive dedication to a child that was not even biologically mine.
I slowly stood up, holding my hands fully visible to show I was not armed.
I told her I had enough hard evidence to send her to death row ten times over.
Clara casually aimed the heavy rifle directly at the center of my chest.
She explained that the police were already actively hunting me as a highly dangerous fugitive.
If she shot me right now, the authorities would simply call it a heroic act of desperate self-defense.
I desperately needed to keep her talking to find a way to safely disarm her.
I asked her where Harper was hiding, praying the little girl was completely safe.
Clara sighed dramatically, claiming Harper was asleep in her bedroom, completely unaware of the drama.
She told me it was time to end this little game and completely rewrite the tragic ending.
I slowly shifted my weight, preparing to make a highly desperate lunge for the weapon.
Before I could move, I noticed a tiny, trembling shadow shifting in the dark hallway behind Clara.
Harper crept silently out of the darkness, holding a large, heavy brass lamp in her small hands.
I tried to keep my eyes completely locked on Clara so I would not give away the child's position.
I loudly accused Clara of being a massive coward who only targeted innocent, helpless victims.
Clara laughed mockingly and placed her finger tightly on the sensitive trigger of the rifle.
Harper swung the heavy brass lamp with all her remaining strength, striking Clara squarely in the back of the knees.
Clara shrieked in sudden pain and completely lost her balance, stumbling violently forward.
The hunting rifle discharged loudly, sending a deadly bullet crashing into the wooden roof above my head.
I lunged forward and wrestled the heavy gun out of Clara's hands, kicking it safely across the attic floor.
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I grabbed Harper securely in my arms and sprinted down the narrow stairs as fast as I possibly could.
Just as we reached the bottom step, a massive explosion violently shook the entire foundation of the house.
