Chapter 8 - The Final Desperate Move
Richard stepped into the study to take the call, closing the heavy oak door behind him.
“This is Richard Hawthorne,” he said into the receiver.
“Mr. Hawthorne, this is Warden Miller at the County Detention Facility,” a deep voice reported. “We are calling to inform you of an incident that occurred twenty minutes ago during a medical transport.”
Richard’s hand tightened around the phone. “What happened?”
“Victoria Lane faked a medical emergency inside her cell this morning,” the warden explained grimly. “During her transport to the county hospital, two armed individuals intercepted the ambulance on the highway. Victoria escaped custody.”
Richard’s heart dropped into his stomach. “She escaped?”
“Yes, sir,” Warden Miller confirmed. “Local authorities and federal marshals have set up roadblocks across the tri-state area. Given her previous threats toward your family, we are advising you to increase your personal security immediately.”
Richard hung up the phone, his mind racing.
He didn't hesitate. He pulled open his desk drawer, retrieved a secure radio, and called Marcus instantly.
“Marcus! Lock down the perimeter of the estate right now,” Richard ordered sharply. “Victoria broke out of custody during a medical transport. I want every gate sealed, the security cameras monitored continuously, and four extra guards on the main lawn.”
“Understood, sir!” Marcus replied. “Initiating Code Red lockdown now.”
Inside the kitchen, Emily noticed the sudden sound of heavy iron gates sliding shut across the driveway. The smart home system chimes echoed through the house: Perimeter Locked. Security Level: Maximum.
Richard walked back into the kitchen, his face grim and focused.
“Emily,” Richard said calmly, trying not to alarm the boys. “I need you to take Ethan, Noah, and Liam upstairs to the panic room inside the master suite.”
Emily immediately stood up, her instincts kicking into high gear. “What’s wrong, Richard?”
“Victoria escaped transport,” Richard revealed in a low voice. “She’s on the run. Marcus is securing the grounds, but I’m not taking any chances with the kids.”
Emily didn't panic. She nodded firmly, turned to the boys, and clapped her hands cheerfully.
“Alright, boys!” Emily said with an infectious smile. “Who wants to play the Secret Agent game in Daddy’s special room upstairs? The person who builds the quietest fort gets extra ice cream tonight!”
“ME!” the triplets cheered together, instantly forgetting their toys as they scrambled toward the grand staircase.
Emily followed them closely, keeping them grouped together as they headed up to the second floor.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Richard stepped out onto the marble terrace overlooking the expansive rear gardens, where Marcus and three armed guards were patrolling the tree line.
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The air was deathly quiet.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the side garage entrance, followed by the sound of glass shattering and a sudden burst of smoke pouring into the utility hallway.
