Chapter 3 - The Broken Haven
The night air stung Claire’s cheeks as she walked out of the precinct.
A sleek black town car was waiting at the curb.
The driver opened the door, but Claire walked right past it.
She would not owe Nathaniel Whitmore another favor.
She took the subway back to her neighborhood.
Her only thought was her seven-year-old daughter, Mia.
Mia was staying with the elderly neighbor, Mrs. Higgins, for the night.
Claire jogged up the three flights of stairs to her apartment building.
She knocked gently on Mrs. Higgins’ door.
The old woman smiled sleepily and handed over a sleeping Mia.
Claire carried her daughter down the hall to their own unit.
She unlocked the deadbolt and pushed the door open.
The hinges squeaked in the quiet hallway.
Claire reached for the light switch and froze.
The moonlight streaming through the window revealed total devastation.
The couch cushions were sliced open.
Drawers were pulled from their tracks and dumped on the floor.
The tiny apartment had been completely ransacked.
Mia stirred in her arms, unaware of the danger.
Claire slowly backed out into the hallway.
Whoever was looking for the real bracelet thought she had it.
May you like
She heard a heavy floorboard creak in the darkness of her bedroom.
Someone was still inside.
