👉 Previous choice: You chose Option B – Trigger the home security fire alarm system to force an automatic municipal fire department entry and public evacuation.
My fingers fumbled at the panel in the fuse box alcove, finding the bright red button for the heat sensors. I pressed it hard.
A piercing shriek erupted, sirens blaring through the basement, echoing through the entire house and out into the quiet neighborhood. This would force a response. The fire department would be here within minutes. Public evacuation, safety in numbers.
However, a chilling voice, cold and calm, sliced through the wailing. Julian’s voice.
“Emergency services, this is Julian Carver. My younger brother, Leo, is experiencing a severe psychiatric episode. He’s prone to arson threats when he gets like this.” His words were clear, practiced. “He’s unarmed, but highly unstable. Please approach with caution.”
My blood ran cold. He had predicted this. He’d pre-empted my desperate move.
Footsteps pounded on the main stairs. Not the heavy, coordinated boots of firemen, but a single, purposeful stride.
Moments later, a familiar figure appeared at the top of the basement stairs. Detective Halloway. He wasn’t in uniform, but his posture was rigid, his face set. He held a firearm, pointed low.
He pulled out a small device, pressing a button. A faint click echoed through the room. His body camera. Off.
Then, I heard the crunch of tires outside and the clang of the front gate being locked. No fire department. Just Halloway. Alone.
➡️ Read CHAPTER 20 to continue the story
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