Chapter 1: The Man Beneath the Couch
Chapter 1: The Man Beneath the Couch
The silence inside the living room was deafening.
Richard Bennett stared at the stranger hiding inside the secret compartment beneath the custom-made couch. The man's face was pale, his expensive suit wrinkled from hours spent in the cramped space.
"Who are you?" Richard demanded.
The stranger didn't answer.
Instead, his wife, Victoria, stepped forward, her hands shaking.
"Richard... please let me explain."
Richard's jaw tightened.
"Explain why there's a grown man hiding inside our home?"
Eight-year-old Emily clung to her father's leg, still crying.
"I told Mommy I didn't like him," she whispered. "He scares me."
Richard looked at his daughter.
"How long has he been here?"
Emily sniffled.
"Every time you leave for work or travel. Mommy says he's playing hide-and-seek."
Richard felt his heart sink.
The stranger finally climbed out of the compartment and slowly raised both hands.
"My name is Daniel."
"I wasn't here to hurt anyone."
May you like
Richard's eyes burned with anger.
"Then start talking."
