The pounding on the door grew louder, rattling through the walls.

Before Vincent could move, the lock gave way with a sharp crack, and two police officers burst into the bedroom. Their flashlights cut through the dim light, sweeping over the scattered papers and overturned drawers.

I forced myself to step forward, blocking their view of the far side of the room where Vincent hid under the bed.

“Ma’am,” one officer said, his voice firm, “we received a report of a break-in. Are you alone here?”

My heartbeat thudded against my ribs. “Yes," I said quickly, keeping my tone calm, casual. " I came home to check the house after...