Chapter 5 The Rescue

Chapter 5: The Rescue

The doorbell rang again, over and over, it was being quieter persistent this time. I could hear the boys running to answer it, their excited voices calling Jessica's name.

I was trapped upstairs, frantically searching for my car keys which seemed to have vanished from where I dropped it last.

My phone, wallet, and the custody papers were already stuffed into my purse, but without those keys, we were going nowhere.

"Caroline?" Jessica's voice was loud enough to be carried up the stairs, sounding both sweet and false.

"The boys say you're taking them to their aunt's for a visit. What a shame-I brought those cookies Liam loves."

I froze, my hand halfway searching through a drawer. She was already inside. My heart was beating fast against my ribs as I slowly backed away from the bedroom door, grabbing the heavy lamp from my nightstand.

If she came for me now, I wouldn't go down without a fight.

I heard someone's footsteps on the stairs which had me retreating into the master bathroom, locking the door behind me.

There was a small window over the tub-maybe I could squeeze through? But what about the boys? The thought of leaving them with her made my stomach squeeze with nausea.

My phone started buzzing in my pocket as I brought it out and saw that it was an unknown number.

Against my better judgment, I answered, whispering. "Hello?"

"Caroline? It's Michael." The voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't remember it immediately.

"I need you to listen carefully to me. You're in danger."

"Who is this?" I hissed, pressing myself against the bathroom wall.

"We met at the playground last week. I tried to warn you about your husband, but you told me to leave you alone. I understand why you didn't believe me then, but I need you to trust me now."

Suddenly, I remembered-the man at the playground with three children, watching me too intently. I'd thought he was some creep, maybe a stalker. But as I strained to recall the details, another memory surfaced-a face at the back door, eyes widening in horror as I lay bleeding out on the kitchen floor.

It was him. He had been there when I died.

"How did you get this number?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"That doesn't matter right now," he said urgently. "What matters is getting you out of that house. She's going to kill you, Caroline. Today."

My legs nearly gave out from under me. "Who are you? How do you know this?"

"My name is Michael Reeves. I've been watching David and Jessica for months," he said. "I know this sounds crazy, but I need you to trust me. I can explain everything later, but right now, we need to get you and your boys somewhere safe."

"The boys," I whispered, tears stinging my eyes. "They think she's here to be their new mother. They don't understand what's happening."

"I'm outside your house right now," Michael said. "I'm coming to the front door. When I do, you come downstairs. Act normal. I'll create a distraction so you can get out."

"She has a knife," I warned him.

"I know," he said grimly. "I'll be careful."

The call ended, and I stood frozen, clutching my phone. Could I trust this stranger? Did I have any choice?

A soft knock at the bathroom door made me jump.

"Caroline?" Jessica called, her voice sickly sweet. "The boys are worried about you. Why don't you come downstairs? We can talk."

"I'll be right there," I called back, trying to keep my voice steady. "Just finishing up."

"Don't take too long," she said, a hint of impatience creeping into her tone. "I was hoping we could have a little chat. Just the two of us."

I heard her footsteps retreating and quickly gathered myself. If Michael was truly coming to help, I needed to be ready. I unlocked the bathroom door and made my way cautiously to the bedroom window. Sure enough, there was a dark blue sedan parked across the street, a man sitting in the driver's seat.

The doorbell rang, and I heard Jessica's irritated sigh as she went to answer it. I took a deep breath and headed downstairs, clutching the banister for support. Jessica stood at the open door, her back to me, talking to Michael.

"-just need to speak with Caroline about the PTA meeting," he was saying as I approached. "It won't take long."

Jessica turned, spotting me on the stairs. Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, there you are. This man says he knows you from the school?"

Michael met my gaze over Jessica's shoulder, a silent understanding passing between us.

"Yes," I said, coming down the last few steps. "Michael is on the fundraising committee with me."

Jessica's eyes narrowed slightly. "The boys were just telling me about your plans to visit their aunt. I didn't realize you had so many commitments today."

"It's a quick discussion," I said, edging past her toward the door. "About the spring carnival. I won't be long."

"Actually," Jessica said, blocking my path with surprising speed, "I was hoping we could talk first. Privately."

"It's really urgent," Michael interjected, taking a step into the house. "School board needs an answer today."

Jessica's smile tightened. "I'm sure Caroline can spare a few minutes for me before she goes. We have important things to discuss."

I saw Ethan and Liam hovering in the hallway, watching the adults with wide, uncertain eyes. A plan formed in my mind.

"Jessica," I said warmly, "would you mind terribly watching the boys while Michael and I sort this out? They've been so excited to see you, and I'd hate to disappoint them." I knelt down, beckoning the twins over. "Mommy has to step out for a few minutes with Mr. Reeves. You'll be good for Jessica, won't you?"

The boys looked at me with confusion, then at Jessica, who was clearly struggling to hide her frustration.

"But Mom," Liam began, "Jessica said-"

"Jessica will stay with you until I get back," I interrupted, giving them each a tight hug. I whispered in their ears, "Obey Jessica like she's your mommy, okay? Make her happy."