The brick crashed through their apartment window at two in the morning, sending glass exploding across the bedroom floor. Ral was out of bed and moving before Louis could process what had happened, his body reverting to prison survival instincts despite six months of therapy.
"Stay down!" he commanded, positioning himself between her and the broken window while scanning for additional threats.
Wrapped around the brick was a note written in block letters: "MARCUS SENDS HIS REGARDS. YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM US. NOW WE TAKE EVERYTHING FROM YOU."
Louis crawled across the floor to her phone, calling 911 with hands that trembled despite her attempt at composure. "Someone just attacked our apartment. Yes, we are both unharmed. No, they are gone."
Ral examined the note with the cold detachment
