Chapter 2 - The Call Behind the Door
Elias had been repairing an old kitchen chair when his phone rang.
Claire rarely called during work hours. She was an accountant at a medical company and usually sent short messages between meetings.
This time, she whispered.
“Dad, please don’t say my name.”
Elias immediately set down his tools.
“Are you safe?”
“I locked the door.”
“Where are you?”
“At Ryan’s apartment.”
A man’s voice sounded in the background.
“Claire, open the door.”
Elias recognized Ryan.
The young fighter had dated Claire for eleven months. In public, he was charming, disciplined and generous. He shook hands firmly, praised Claire constantly and called Elias “sir.”
But Elias had noticed small things.
Ryan answered questions meant for Claire.
He checked her phone whenever it lit up.
He joked about her clothes until she changed them.
“Did he hurt you?” Elias asked.
“Not exactly.”
Elias understood what that meant. Claire was trying to protect someone who had frightened her.
“Listen carefully,” he said. “Do you see a second exit?”
“There’s a window.”
“Can it open?”
“Yes.”
“Leave the apartment. Go to the coffee shop across the street. Stay where people can see you.”
Ryan struck the bathroom door with his palm.
“Claire!”
She gasped.
May you like
Elias kept his voice calm.
“You are not responsible for his anger. Leave now.”
