Chapter 3Half a Severed Finger

I stepped back into the living room, sealing the kitchen door behind me. I handed Grace her glass of warm water, then immediately slid open the balcony window to let the fresh air circulate.

Outside, a gentle drizzle had started to fall, carrying the crisp, earthy scent of rain on damp ground.

"Is it raining?" Grace's voice drifted over, vibrating with a childlike excitement. "I want to listen to it."

By the time I turned around, she was already navigating her way toward the balcony, her hands lightly sweeping the air. I stepped up and gently caught her arm.

At the open window, she reached out, letting her bare forearm catch the cool, falling mist. The icy drops beaded on her skin. She curled her fingers, a soft, ethereal smile warming her face.

"It feels so soft," she whispered.

"Yeah, but let's get you sat down before you catch a cold," I said, pulling her back gently.

A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, but she complied, settling onto the wooden chair on the balcony. I draped a plush blanket over her shoulders, tucking the edges around her neck.

My hand drifted into my pocket, tapping the phone screen.

The intruder hadn't moved.

Thirty minutes had passed since I opened the gas valve.