THE SHADOW BENEATH THE CRADLE

The arrest of Thomas Sterling and Arthur sent shockwaves through the local police force, but Gabriel had no time to watch the handcuffs click shut. While the troopers secured the estate grounds, Gabriel demanded the exact address of the private clinic from Arthur, who finally broke under the weight of his guilt and handed over a GPS coordinator and security keycard.

"She’s at St. Jude's Rest Home in Pine Ridge," Arthur whispered, tears cutting tracks through the grime on his cheeks. "Third floor, east wing. Please, Master Gabriel... forgive me. Your father told me Eleanor was mentally unstable."

Gabriel didn't look back. He ran to his SUV, installed Lily's child seat securely in the back, and signaled Clara.

"Come with us," Gabriel said to Clara. "Lily trusts you, and I need someone with her when we get there."

Clara nodded without hesitation, climbing into the passenger seat as Gabriel sped through the wrought-iron gates. The two-hour drive upstate felt like an eternity. Lily sat quietly in the back, holding a small plush rabbit, staring out the window at the passing autumn trees.

"Daddy?" Lily's soft voice broke the heavy silence in the car.

"Yes, baby?" Gabriel glanced into the rearview mirror.

"Is the lady in the wall... is she my mommy?"

Gabriel's throat tightened. He had tried so hard to shield her from the ugly truth of their family's darkness, but children possessed an instinct that outsmarted adult deception.