Chapter 5: Shadows at the Window
By the third day, Lily began to show small signs of life. She pointed at a squirrel outside the window and offered a faint, fleeting smile. But the peace was short-lived.
At twilight, as heavy snow began to fall again, Jack noticed tire tracks near the tree line half a mile down the unpaved driveway. Someone had been scouting the perimeter.
""Lily, pack your jacket,"" Jack said calmly, keeping his tone light so as not to trigger her panic. ""We're going to play a game and shift our camp tonight.""
""Is she here?"" Lily asked, her body instantly stiffening.
May you like
""No, baby. But we're going to be smart,"" Jack replied, pulling her close into an embrace. ""Nobody is ever taking you away from me again. You hear me? Never.""
He packed the hard drive, the documents, and a few essentials into a backpack. He knew Eleanor’s network was vast—she had wealthy benefactors, influential police contacts, and private security on her payroll. Running forever wasn't an option. They needed an ally.
