From my car, I watched the chaos unfold—police lights flashing, officers rushing into my son’s house. My phone buzzed again: “Trust no one right now. I’ll call you soon.”
My heart pounded. Who was sending these messages? Why was I being warned to stay away? Inside were my son Robert, his wife Amanda, and my grandchildren—and I could do nothing but watch.
Then the call came. “Lucia, it’s me. Tom.” My estranged brother’s voice shook with urgency. “Robert and Amanda are in danger. I’ve been trying to help, but things got out of control. You were at risk too.”
Before I could ask more, he hung up.
As the police continued their search and neighbors whispered on their lawns, I sat frozen, realizing this was only the beginning. My family was tangled in something dark—and I was now part of a story I never wanted to know.
