CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT – TREATED LIKE FAMILY

Inside the house, the sirens had triggered a fresh wave of panic. Veronica clung to Madison, burying her face in her shoulder. Kyle, however, looked strangely calm. "They got away," Madison said numbly, her voice barely above a whisper. Kyle shook her head. "Not quite." Confused, Madison looked at her. Kyle nodded towards the phone on the coffee table. It was still open, displaying the last message from the stalker. Underneath the message, a new notification blinked: "Package delivered." A gasp escaped Madison's lips. The plan wasn't a complete failure. The police might not have apprehended the stalker, but they had the backpack. And who knew what secrets it might hold. Maybe, just maybe, it was the key to finally catching the person who had been tormenting them. Dawn broke, painting the sky with streaks of orange and pink. The aftermath of the night's events lay heavy in the air. Empty police cars lined the street, a stark reminder of the failed capture. Exhausted but determined,