The door clicked shut behind Linda and Detective Carter, their footsteps fading into the night. Samantha watched through the window as her mother's car disappeared around the corner, its taillights leaving red streaks in the darkness. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut.
"Perhaps not in the way you think." A small smile played at the corners of Callum's mouth. "Detective Carter's presence might actually be... useful."
The other three stared at him, but Samantha raised her hand. "Stop. Whatever revelation you're about to drop on us, save it for tomorrow." She closed her eyes, letting her head fall back against the couch. "I can't handle any more surprises tonight."
Callum's mouth quirked in understanding. "Of course." He carefully folded the agreement paper, the symbols dimming to a soft pulse.
