Page 40 of Max Bannon

Put me on video. Now.

I clicked the camera and turned it on, my hand shaking slightly.

His face filled the screen, wide awake and alert. “Stay where you are. Show me the door.”

I flipped the camera, showing him the entryway.

“Lights outside?”

“On.”

“Any shadows? Movement?”

I scanned. “No. But Goose—he never growls like this.”

Max’s voice dropped an octave. Calm. Controlled. “Okay. Do me a favor. Go to the back of the cabin, lock the bedroom window. Stay low, and take the phone with you.”

I followed every word like it was gospel.

Once I was back in the bedroom, crouched near the dresser, I whispered, “What if it’s nothing?”

“Then we’ll laugh about it later,” he said. “But if it’s not… I need you safe.”

Just as he said that, something creaked on the porch.

Goose jumped up, barking wildly now.

My breath caught.

“Tessa.Don’t hang up.” Max’s voice was sharp. “Is there a weapon in the cabin?”

“There’s a bat in the closet.”

“Good. Get it. Keep the phone in your other hand.”

I crawled across the floor, grabbed the bat, heart pounding so loud it was all I could hear.

Another sound—lighter this time. The click of something metal.

Max’s voice was in my ear. “Frasier’s calling the local sheriff right now. Help’s on the way.”

“I’m scared,” I whispered.

“I know, baby. I’ve got you. Just hang in there.”

Then—another knock.

A soft one.

Almost… testing.

Goose barked like hell, throwing himself at the door.

And that’s when I saw the shadow move across the window.

I sucked in a breath and clutched the bat tighter.

The shadow shifted again—closer this time.

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