Page 56 of Justice

“You have a package,” Christopher tells me, and I walk over to open it. I have ordered most of the baby’s stuff from online since it’s too dangerous for me to get out and about.

I’d rather be home and keep our baby safe than put myself in unnecessary danger.

As I open the box and remove the wrapping, it takes me a moment to comprehend what I am seeing. Suddenly, a shrill scream escapes my lips. Inside the box is a doll with its stomach ripped open, revealing a small baby inside. Across the chest of the baby doll are the words,You and this child belong to me. I'll see you soon, my love. If you don’t leave him, you will pay.

Christopher, Mason, and Meadow come running at the sound of my scream. "Elle, what's wrong?" Christopher asks urgently, his eyes wide with alarm.

But I can't speak. I'm frozen in horror, my hand clasped over my mouth as I stare at the gruesome contents of the box. Christopher follows my gaze and his face hardens, a muscle ticking in his jaw as he takes in the mutilated doll and the chilling message.

"Son of a bitch," he snarls, slamming his fist on the counter. Mason moves closer, peering into the box before recoiling with a string of curses.

Meadow is at my side in an instant, her arm wrapping around my shoulders. "Come sit down, Elle. You don't need to look at that." She guides me to the couch, helping me lower myself onto the cushions.

I'm shaking uncontrollably, icy fear coursing through my veins. This psychopath knows where we live. He's been close enough to leave this sick "gift" right on our doorstep. Nowhere feels safe anymore.

Christopher is on the phone, barking orders to the guards at the front office to review the security footage and sweep the property. Mason gingerly closes the flaps of the box, sealing away the horror as he meets Christopher's gaze. A silent communication passes between them, a grim understanding.

“He’s getting desperate, isn’t he?” Desperation isn’t a good thing.

Christopher ends the call and turns to me, his expression a mix of fury and fear. He kneels in front of me, taking my trembling hands in his. "I won't let him touch you, Elle. I swear on my life, I will keep you and our daughter safe."

I nod, wanting so badly to believe him. But the terror is suffocating, the threat too real. "He's not going to stop, is he?" I whisper brokenly. "Not until he has me, or…"

I can't finish the thought, bile rising in my throat. Christopher's grip tightens, his eyes blazing. "I will end him before he ever gets that chance.

“We have a great security system, no one could get in unless we want them to. Let's use it,” Christopher suggests, and Mason nods.

“I think it's best we all stay here with you until this person is caught, and we can ask Reid to stay too,” Meadow suggests.

So that is what Christopher does; he calls in Reid and the front gate is on full lockdown to ward off everyone and everything until this is all over. Only family members are allowed inside.

My guess for the reason he sent the package is because that’s the only way he could get to me.

Later that night, Christopher and I lie in bed together, watching a movie to have some alone time.

Christopher pulls me close, his strong arms enveloping me in a comforting embrace. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. It's a soothing rhythm.

"I hate that he's doing this to you," Christopher murmurs, his fingers stroking my hair.

My mind keeps replaying the image of that mutilated doll, the chilling message scrawled across its chest. I shudder, pressing closer to Christopher.

Is that what he wants to do to me? To cut my baby out of my stomach?

Christopher glances down at me, his brow furrowed with concern. "Are you cold, baby? I can grab another blanket."

He kisses me softly, gently, and I sink into him. My hands are pressed against his chest, his heart beating faster.

“You know what scares me most of all?” I tell him, running my fingers down his forearm, the veins in his arm standing out.

He gives me a questioning look.

“I’m terrified of losing you, someone I care about. I’m not sure I could survive it.” I have heard of people dying of a broken heart.

His grip tightens around me, his eyes blazing with fierce protectiveness. "You won't lose me, Elle. I'm not going anywhere. We're in this together, no matter what. I will move heaven and earth to keep you safe." His face is serious when he adds, “And I don’t plan on anything happening to me, but I would die to protect you. I would lay down my life for you without a second of hesitation.”

Tears slip from my eyes and I practically crawl on top of him to get as close to him as possible.

Christopher

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