Chapter 5 - The Return at Three A.M.
The convoy swept through the iron gates of the Long Island estate at precisely 3:45 AM. The sprawling mansion stood dark and silent against the crashing Atlantic waves, looking peaceful and secure to any outsider. But to Rory, it now resembled a heavily fortified trap.
He stepped out of the vehicle and strode briskly toward the front entrance, bypassing the main security desk. Marcus and two elite operatives followed closely behind, their faces grim.
“Secure the guest house,” Rory whispered to Marcus as they entered the grand marble foyer. “Detain Arthur Vance and Susan Vance immediately. Do not let them destroy any devices or communicate with anyone outside.”
“Understood, Boss,” Marcus replied, peeling off with his men toward the western wing where the guest house was connected via a covered walkway.
Rory didn't wait. He took the grand staircase two steps at a time, heading straight for the second-floor nursery. The closer he got to his daughters' room, the heavier the air felt.
As he reached the heavy oak door, he heard it.
The faint, high-pitched whining sound—a rhythmic, mechanical buzzing that seemed to vibrate directly through the wooden panels. It wasn't coming from the ventilation ducts. It wasn't coming from the smoke detectors.
Rory pushed the door open.
Inside, Lily and Rose were sitting upright in their twin beds, their small bodies trembling violently as they clutched their heads, tears streaming down their pale faces.
“Daddy!” Lily screamed over the strange, oscillating hum. “It’s loud! The bees are inside my head!”
Rory rushed across the room, dropping to his knees between their beds. He pulled both girls into his arms, shielding them against his chest. But unlike previous nights, his mind was no longer clouded by confusion or helplessness. He knew there were no ghosts here. There was only technology, malice, and betrayal.
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And then his eyes landed on the golden-brown teddy bear sitting abandoned on the rug where Rose had dropped it in terror.
The blue ribbon around its neck was vibrating faintly, synchronized perfectly with the high-pitched hum filling the room.
