“We own this town, Claire. When the local police arrive, they’ll find that an intruder broke in, tragically killed an elderly woman in her sleep, and was shot in self-defense by her grieving son.”

Chapter 5 — The Barricade

“Mom, run!” I screamed.

I grabbed my mother’s arm and hauled her up. We bolted for the stairs. Daniel roared and swung the poker; it smashed into the wooden banister inches from my hand, throwing splinters into my cheek.

I pushed my mother up the steps, legs pumping. Vanessa shrieked from below, urging him on. We reached the landing and tore down the hall to the master bedroom.

I shoved my mother inside, slammed the heavy mahogany door, and threw the lock.

“Help me!” I yelled.