The wind howled around the safe house, snow swirling in the darkness as Claire and John stood by the front door. The faint sound of a car engine broke through the storm, its headlights piercing the shadows. Every muscle in Claire’s body tensed as her gaze flicked to John, his hand gripping the gun tightly.
“Stay back,” John murmured, his tone calm but commanding.
“I’m not staying behind,” Claire whispered, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands.
The car came to a stop, and Claire held her breath. The door opened, and a figure stepped out, their silhouette illuminated by the glow of the porch light.
“Mom?” The word escaped Claire’s lips before she could stop it, her voice trembling with equal parts shock and relief.
The woman who stepped out was unmistakably Claire’s mother. Th
