Page 88 of Heart of a Hero

Alan’s response was coldly calculated. “We’re going out the back. And we’re taking her with us.”

Mark and Brad quickly backed away, remaining hidden from view. But just as Mark was about to move, a flash of red caughthis eye. His breath hitched. Peering through the window again, his heart leaped into his throat—Benji. His son was crouched atop the refrigerator, his small frame hidden in the shadows, fear etched on his young face.He must have scrambled from the counter to the refrigerator to keep from being seen. But where is Marty?

Every instinct in Mark’s body screamed at him to call out to his boy, but he swallowed the urge, forcing it down as he whispered into his radio. “One boy in the kitchen. Benji’s on top of the fridge.”

Tension wound tight in his chest as Karen came into view, walking down the hallway and into the kitchen. Mark and Brad readied their weapons, poised to act when Alan appeared.

And then, there he was. Alan shoved Karen ahead of him, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, his gun pressed to her side. Carla slunk behind them, her eyes darting wildly. Mark could see where Alan had taken out his anger onto Carla and wondered if that was where the blood stains on the mattress had come from.

Before Mark could move, Benji leaped from his hiding place, his young voice shrieking in defiance as he hurled himself at Carla. The impact sent her stumbling, her scream piercing the air. At the same time, Marty sprang from the pantry, his face a mask of fury, and kicked Alan hard in the shin.

“What the fuck—” Alan shouted, his grip loosening on Karen as he whirled around in confusion.

Mark seized the moment. “Police! Drop your weapon!” he yelled, his voice ringing out, every muscle in his body coiled and ready.

Alan let out a furious roar as Karen launched herself at him, her body colliding with his outstretched arm, sending the gun clattering to the floor. In a blur of motion, she grabbed Marty and fell on top of him, shielding him as they crashed onto thecold kitchen tile. Benji scrambled for cover, diving behind the kitchen counter, his small frame disappearing from view just as Alan raised his hand to strike.

Mark’s breath caught in his throat, his pulse thundering as he raised his weapon, but he couldn’t get a clear shot. Benji was no longer in sight. His finger hovered, the world narrowing to that one crucial decision. Brad, however, didn’t hesitate. He squeezed the trigger, the sound of the gunshot echoing through the kitchen. Alan’s body jerked violently as the bullet struck him in the upper chest, his face twisting into a grimace of agony. He staggered back, crashing against the hallway wall before sliding down, his body landing on the floor.

Mark didn’t waste a second. He surged forward, racing into the house ahead of Brad. The chaos around him blurred as he skidded to a stop next to Karen, his eyes sweeping the kitchen, desperate for any sign of Benji.

“Are you two okay?” His voice was rough, thick with emotion.

Karen nodded, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “Yes, yes—Benji? The girls?”

“Dad!” Benji’s voice rang out, and Mark’s head snapped toward the sound. His son’s small head popped up from behind the counter, his eyes wide but unscathed.

“Christ!” Mark exhaled, his chest heaving with relief as he stepped over Alan’s outstretched legs and scooped Benji into his arms. His grip was fierce, his hand cradling the back of Benji’s head as he buried his son’s face against his chest. Every muscle in Mark’s body shook with the force of his emotions—relief, fear, and overwhelming love.

“The girls?” Karen’s frantic voice brought him back to the present.

Mark turned, still holding Benji close, and knelt beside Karen. His gaze flicked between her and Marty, who was sitting up, his face pale but determined. Karen had her arms wrappedaround Marty, shielding him from the sight of Alan’s blood pooling on the floor as deputies flooded the house through the front and back doors.

Carla was dragged away in handcuffs, her shrieks fading as the EMTs rushed in with their equipment and stretcher. The scene was a whirlwind of flashing lights, hurried voices, and controlled chaos. Brad took charge, barking orders as deputies swarmed to secure the scene.

“Mom!” Olivia’s voice pierced through the noise, her scream of panic slicing through the air. Karen’s head jerked up, her eyes wild as she searched for her daughter.

“Baby!” Karen cried, her voice thick with emotion, but the girls were still outside, safe.

John entered through the back door, his movements calm but urgent. He knelt beside Karen and Marty, helping them to their feet. “Let’s get you out of here,” he murmured, his voice gentle as he guided them toward the exit.

Aaron followed closely, moving to Mark’s side. His hand landed on Mark’s back, the other resting on Benji’s shoulder as he nudged them toward the back door. “Come on, let’s get some fresh air. It’s too crowded in here.”

When they stepped outside, the cool air hit Mark like a balm, soothing the tension coiling in his chest. He inhaled deeply, his arms tightening instinctively around Benji. His gaze locked on Karen and Marty, who had hurried toward the three girls waiting with Elizabeth and Sam. The children were huddled together, their faces streaked with tears but alive and safe. Colt was making his way toward them, his sharp eyes scanning the group, ensuring they were all accounted for.

Mark quickened his pace, still holding Benji close until he reached Karen’s side. Benji squirmed in his arms, protesting, “Dad, let me go!”

Reluctantly, Mark loosened his grip, allowing Benji to slide down and rush to join the group hug forming in the middle of the yard. The kids, now all together, clung to each other, their tears giving way to shaky smiles as the reality of their safety set in.

Karen turned toward Mark, her gaze locking onto his, her eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and raw emotion. He didn’t hesitate, pulling her into his arms and holding her close as she buried her face in his chest. Her body trembled, and her words barely whispered, “Oh God… I… I…”

Mark stroked her hair, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s okay, baby. It’s okay.” He wasn’t sure when or if things would be okay again, but they were alive at that moment. Together. That was all that mattered.

A slight, mischievous grin broke the tension as Benji’s voice piped up. “Marty, that was a cool kick!”

Marty, who had been pale and shaking moments before, managed a small smile. “You jumped off the fridge, man! You totally surprised them.”

Mark opened his mouth, ready to chastise them for taking such risks, but Karen’s soft, trembling fingers pressed gently against his lips. “Not now,” she whispered, her voice still shaky but firm. “Later… later, you can fuss at them for not following directions. But right now, let them be heroes.”

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