252: Darkest Nights

Camilla “Thank you, Officer Malone,” I said, feeling a little more at ease with his presence. “I appreciate everything you’re doing.” He nodded, his gaze softening. “We’re going to find him. And in the meantime, I want you to know that you’re in good hands. We’re not going to let anything happen to you.” “Thank you,” I said again, my voice barely above a whisper. The gravity of the situation was still heavy, but having people like Jack and Frank around made it a little easier to bear. After Jack left, I sat back down with my mother, and the two of us sat in silence for a while. The house felt different now, more guarded, but also more like a place where we could be safe. The night grew darker; I knew sleep would be impossible. But I also knew that we were doing everything we could. Shawn might be out there, but he wasn’t going to find us unprepared. Not this time. And as much as the fear still gnawed at me, I was determined to stay strong. For myself, for my mother, and for the m