Anika leaned against the ICU doorframe, adrenaline burning away. Through the window, the trailer sat still again, only the rhythmic sound of rain tapping its metal shell. Evan slept peacefully, unaware of the chaos. “He’s safe now,” she murmured, not sure whether she meant the boy or the creature outside.
By evening, the station reported a full confession. Rowe was an animal trainer in a circus troupe. He decided to kidnap his son and keep him hidden in the camp when they performed here, intending to vanish across state lines. “He panicked when the bear turned on him,” Martinez told Anika. “Left the camp hurriedly. Found Evan through the news.”