A Father’s Instinct
I kept my voice calm. “Oh, I think I left the pie in the oven. Let me check before it burns.”
In the kitchen, I quietly closed the door, pulled out my phone, and dialed 911.
“This is David, at 1824 Willow Lane,” I whispered. “My daughter may be in danger from the man she brought home. Please send someone quickly. I’ll stall him.”
The dispatcher assured me officers were on their way.
I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and walked back to the table.
“Mark,” I said casually, “do you like ice cream with pie?”
He gave a stiff smile. Emily rose to get ice from the freezer, and as she passed me, I whispered, “Stay calm. I’ve got this.”
The Truth Comes Out
Minutes later, sirens sounded faintly in the distance. Two uniformed officers knocked on the door, explaining they were conducting a neighborhood security check.
Mark instantly tensed. “What’s this about?” he demanded.
“Sir, may we see some ID?” one officer asked.
Mark hesitated, pulling out his wallet—when a small orange prescription bottle slipped from his pocket and hit the floor.
It had no label. Several loose p!lls rattled inside.
One officer picked it up and exchanged a sharp glance with his partner.
In an instant, Mark tried to bolt—but the officers tackled him, cuffed him, and read him his rights.
Emily gasped, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Mark, you’re under arrest for possession of c0ntrolled substances and suspected d0mestic ass.a.ult. You’ll need to come with us.”
For illustration purposes only
A Silent Cry for Help
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