Chapter 13: Breaking Point

The house was silent, save for the distant hum of the idling car. My chest tightened as I watched Alex’s face harden, his jaw clenched in a way that screamed trouble.  

“Stay here,” he whispered, gripping the gun tightly.  

“Are you insane?” I hissed, grabbing his arm before he could move. “You can’t just walk out there.”  

His gaze softened for a moment, but his resolve didn’t waver. “I won’t let them get to Reid.”  

My throat tightened at his words. “And what if they get to *you*?”  

He didn’t answer. Instead, he moved toward the door, his steps quiet and calculated. I stood frozen, my...