The dog moved with strange, deliberate purpose—head low, tail stiff—as it crossed the living room. It stopped in front of the door leading into the kitchen and began scratching the wood, whining in a thin, anxious thread of sound.Sandra's scream tore through the room.“Get it out! Please—get it out of here!”Darcy flinched at the outright panic lacing her voice. “Sandra, what's wrong with you?”Kelvin felt the hair rise along his arms. Her fear wasn't theatrical; it was primal.Already, Jack was moving. In two strides he reached the door, twisted the handle, and flung it open; the dog shot inside like a bullet.Kelvin couldn't see into the kitchen from where he was standing, but he heard Jack's breath catch—just once, sharp. The dog had stopped moving. Its nails clicked on tile. Then a soft whimper.Kelvin looked over at Jack, and Jack gave him a quick glance. Kelvin knew what it meant: Move.He pushed off the wall and crossed to the hall door, planting his back against it, blocking
Last Updated : 2025-11-21 Read more