Ethan swallowed. “Who are you?”
Ryan didn’t answer that. He just smiled.
“The guy who makes sure people cooperate.”
Natalie pointed at the screen. “I’ve moved part of it. The rest happens tonight. And if you make noise…” She looked at Ethan calmly. “…I can’t guarantee what happens when your daughters leave school.”
Everything shrank to one word.
School.
Ethan lowered his gaze. Pretended to give in.
“Let me… use the bathroom.”
Ryan watched him closely. “Quick.”
Inside, Ethan didn’t lock the door. He called the elementary school.
“This is Ethan Reynolds. Emma and Grace’s father. Listen carefully—no one picks them up today. No one. If a woman named Natalie Brooks shows up, call the police. Please.”
The principal, Janet Miller, answered after seconds that felt like years.
“Understood. We’re activating protocol. The girls stay here.”
Relief nearly buckled his knees.
Minutes later, Natalie’s phone buzzed. She answered—and her face changed.
“What do you mean the school is asking questions?”
She hung up, teeth clenched. “I’m going to get them.”
At the school, Natalie arrived with her worried-mother smile.
Janet stood firm. Emma and Grace behind her.
“Do you want to go with her?” Janet asked.