Tension in the room exploded as Carl, Damon, and the police officers stormed in brandishing their firearms.
A desperate standoff ensued. Captured like a wild man, Richard said he would harm the girl if they got too close.
With years of expertise and a steady gaze, the police captain tried to reason with him. "Richard, that is all. To ensure that nobody is hurt, put down the knife."
Richard laughed icily and without humor. "Completed? It's just beginning now."
Things were precariously close to falling apart. A single thoughtless movement or instant of irritation might be lethal. Carl's mind raced, attempting to come up with a way to defuse the situation without hurting anybody.
His eyes darted across the room before focusing on an old, worn picture frame that was on the mantelpiece. It
