Chapter 28 - A Family Burden
Miles away, Sheriff Daniel Brooks sat alone inside his patrol SUV.
His hands rested motionless on the steering wheel.
He stared at an old photograph tucked inside his wallet.
It showed him as a young boy standing beside his father.
Sheriff William Brooks.
On the back of the picture, one sentence had been written in faded ink.
Protect the family. No matter the cost.
Daniel closed his eyes.
He had spent years believing his father had protected the town.
Now Jacob's notebook threatened everything.
His phone vibrated.
Unknown Number.
He answered immediately.
"They found Henry."
The voice on the other end remained calm.
"Then bring Reed to us."
"I don't think I can."
A long pause followed.
"You don't have a choice."
The call ended.
Daniel looked back toward the mountain.
May you like
For the first time in his career...
He wondered whether wearing the badge had ever truly been his own decision.
