They came from every direction. Squad cars. Black SUVs. A SWAT van. Men in body armor came through the front door so fast it felt like a wave breaking.
Laura came in right behind them. She looked at me. She looked at the two girls on the couch. And for one second, I saw her face crack.
Then she was a detective again.
“Get the victims out to the ambulance. Gently. Get a female officer with them.”
They took Emily and Hannah outside, wrapped in thick blankets. Paramedics checked them over. They were exhausted and terrified and dehydrated, but they were alive.
Laura put her hand on my arm.
“You found them. You got them out.”
“There’s more,” I said. “The study. His computer. A camera. A notebook in the desk drawer.”
She nodded and turned to her team.
Within twenty minutes, the house was wrapped in yellow tape. Floodlights lit up the yard like daytime. People in white suits carried out the computer, the camera, the notebook. They went down into the basement and photographed everything.
I stood in the yard in the cold night air. Sweat was running down my back.
It was almost eleven.
Then I heard an engine at the end of the street.
Matthew’s silver sedan came around the corner. It slowed down. The headlights swept across the yard full of police cars.
He got out. He’d been drinking. I could see it from across the yard. His shirt was half untucked. His hair was a mess.
“What the hell is going on?” he shouted. “What is this?”
He started walking toward his front gate.
Two officers stepped in front of him.
“Matthew Bennett, you’re being detained in connection with unlawful imprisonment and the abuse of minors.”
Matthew froze.
Then his face went red.
“Are you insane? This is my house! You can’t be in here! This is a setup! Call my father! Call my lawyer! Do you know who my father is?”
He shoved one of the officers. Two more grabbed his arms. They put him face down against the hood of his own car and cuffed him while he screamed.
“My father is Richard Bennett! You’ll all lose your jobs! Every one of you!”
And then he lifted his head, and he saw me.
Standing in his yard. Under the floodlights.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.