CHAPTER 2: THE NAME THAT BROKE THE ROOM
The word “Blackwood” didn’t just echo through the kitchen.
It changed the air.
Ethan’s expression froze mid-sentence. For the first time, his confidence cracked—not loudly, but in a subtle, almost invisible way. Like glass realizing it had been hit too hard.
Vanessa stepped back half a step.
Not out of fear yet.
Out of instinct.
“Blackwood Response?” Ethan repeated slowly. “What the hell is that supposed to be?”
Mara didn’t answer.
She stayed on the floor, one arm still shielding her stomach, the other holding the phone steady against her bloodied cheek.
Her voice remained calm.
Too calm.
“Stay on the line,” she whispered.
On the other end, a man replied instantly:
“Medical extraction team is five minutes out. Security is already en route. Do not move.”
Ethan let out a short, disbelieving laugh.
“You’re bluffing.”
But even as he said it, his eyes flicked toward the windows.
Toward the driveway.
Toward the sudden sound of engines that did not belong to any normal arrival.
Black SUVs.
No plates visible.
No hesitation.
May you like
Vanessa swallowed.
“…Ethan,” she said quietly, “that’s not a bluff.”
