Ethan POV

The flashing red-blue lights smear across the walls like smeared paint. I’m still trying to understand why the police are back inside my house. Emma is upstairs, barely conscious, her breath shallow. All I want is to stay close to her door. Close enough to hear her breathe. Close enough to know she’s still alive.

Instead, two officers stand in front of me.

“Mr. Ryder,” the taller one says, “we need you to come with us.”

A muscle jumps in my jaw. ...