Chapter 30: Damian's interception
Claire backed away and reached for her phone, trying to remain calm. She dialed 911 with shaking hands and whispered her address to the operator. The moment she ended the call, the door handle jerked violently.
Someone was trying to get in.
She looked around, her mind racing. She wasn't strong enough to fight anyone off—not now. Her eyes landed on the fireplace poker beside the mantle. She grabbed it with her good hand, steadying herself against the wall. The door trembled under a heavy push but didn't give way.
Then suddenly… it stopped.
More silence. Minutes passed like hours.
Police sirens wailed in the distance. Claire stayed crouched behind the kitchen counter, gripping the poker tightly. When the knock finally came—firm, heavy, official—she flinched.
"Miss Hart? It's the police."
