Caleb was found curled inside a doghouse, shivering beside a dog bowl while Vanessa smiled outside.

I arrived back at the safe house just after dark. Clara threw the door open when she saw me, her face pale with worry.

"Adrian! Where have you been? We were terrified!"

"I went to the house," I said, stepping inside and locking the door behind me. "I found the box."

Caleb ran to me and wrapped his arms around my legs. I lifted him up, holding him tight.

"I was scared, Daddy," he whispered.

"I know, baby. I’m here. I’m never leaving you again."

I set Caleb down and turned to Clara. I told her everything. About Marcus. About Arthur. About Vanessa.

Clara sank onto the sofa, her hand over her mouth.

"Vanessa is Emily’s sister?" she whispered. "I never knew. Emily never spoke of a sister."

"She said she hoped Vanessa would change," I said. "She gave her every chance. Even when Vanessa was betraying her."

"And now?" Clara asked. "What happens now?"

I placed the documents on the table.

"Now we fight. We have everything we need to put Marcus and Arthur behind bars. But we need to be careful. They have resources. They have people watching everywhere."

There was a soft knock on the door.

Clara and I froze. Caleb shrank behind me.

"Adrian…" A voice came from the other side of the door. Weak. Breathing hard. "Adrian, are you there?"

I knew that voice.

I pulled the door open.

Vanessa stood there. Leaning against the doorframe. Pale. Blood soaking through her shirt. Her arm hung uselessly at her side. She looked at me, tears spilling down her face.