Part 28
Julian took a slow, menacing step toward me, his fingers flexing as he prepared to lung.
The flashing red emergency lights illuminated the raw, unadulterated madness in his eyes.
I kept my ground, refusing to look back at the hallway where Charlotte was hidden. I couldn't give away her location.
"You think you can take what my father built?" I spat out, trying to keep him focused entirely on me.
"He hated what this family stood for. He built that foundation to destroy monsters like you."
"He was a weakling!" Julian roared, lunging forward with terrifying speed.
I swung the bronze statue again, but this time he was ready. He caught my wrists in a vice-like grip.
His hands were freezing cold and unbelievably strong, crushing my bones until I dropped the statue.
He shoved me hard against the stone wall, the impact knocking the breath completely out of my lungs.
I fell to my knees, gasping for air, stars exploding in my vision.
Julian knelt down, grabbing me by the hair, forcing my head back to look at him.
"The encryption keys for the foundation accounts," he hissed, his face inches from mine. "Give them to me, or I will tear this house apart stone by stone until I find your little girl."
A cold spike of terror pierced through my fading consciousness. He knew about Charlotte.
"Never," I choked out, spitting blood onto his face.
His expression twisted into something monstrous. He raised his massive fist, preparing to strike me down.
Suddenly, a bright, blinding white beam of light cut through the dark living room, illuminating the entire space.
The heavy front oak door was violently kicked open, the wood splintering with a loud crash.
"State Police! Drop your weapon and get on the ground!" a powerful voice boomed through the storm.
Multiple flashlights illuminated the room, revealing three police officers with their service weapons drawn and aimed directly at Julian.
Julian froze, his hand still clutched in my hair, looking at the officers like a cornered animal.
For a second, I thought he was going to fight them, that his madness would drive him to suicide.
"Drop it! Now!" the officer yelled, moving closer, their boots crunching on the broken glass.
Realizing he was completely outmatched, Julian slowly released my hair and raised his hands, a low, bitter curse escaping his lips.
The officers descended upon him instantly, slamming him onto the floor and securing his hands in heavy steel cuffs.
I collapsed against the wall, weeping with relief as the adrenaline finally left my system.
The nightmare was over. The police had arrived just in time.
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One of the officers knelt beside me, his voice warm and gentle. "Ma'am, are you okay? Is there anyone else in the house?"
"My daughter," I gasped out, pointing toward the hallway. "In the closet... she's safe. Please, get her."
