Chapter 10: on the Ride

The knock reverberated through the cramped apartment, each thud like a countdown to disaster. My throat tightened as I stared at the door, my fingers curling into trembling fists. Alex. Why now? Why here?  

“Mum,” Reid’s small voice pulled me back. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, looking from me to Precious, who had gone as pale as a sheet.  

“It’s nothing, sweetheart,” I lied, forcing a smile. “Go back to sleep.”  

The knocking grew more insistent, and I motioned for Precious to take Reid into the bathroom. She nodded silently, scooping him up and shutting the door behind her. My heart pounded as I took...