Calder added, “Believe me, you’re safer with me.” The words were spoken gently, but the weight behind them felt suffocating. Evan didn’t know if he believed them. Yet when he pictured the men outside—trained, methodical, and focused—he wasn’t sure he disbelieved Calder either. Either choice felt like a trap.
Evan’s world narrowed to two impossible options: stay with the neighbor who seemed to know too much, or risk walking past the men who seemed to be waiting just for him. Neither path felt safe. Calder’s voice softened. “Don’t worry. I won’t let them take you.” Evan wished he knew whether to feel grateful or terrified.