THE SEVENTH CHILD WAS NEVER REPORTED MISSING
Chapter 11
They returned to Red Creek after midnight.
The town looked normal.
Too normal.
Streetlights.
Quiet houses.
A gas station.
People walking their dogs.
But Ethan knew better now.
Every window could hide someone watching them.
They went to the sheriff’s office.
The building was empty.
Every computer had been wiped.
Every case file involving the children was gone.
Sarah opened a drawer.
Inside was a single envelope.
Her name was written on it.
She opened it.
A photograph fell out.
It showed her standing outside the police academy.
Taken fifteen years earlier.
On the back:
WE HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOU TOO.
Sarah went pale.
Ethan looked at her.
“What is it?”
She didn’t answer.
Another photograph appeared.
Ethan.
Then another.
Noah.
Then another.
Dr. Ward.
All photographed years before they met.
Sarah whispered:
“This case was never assigned to us.”
Ethan understood.
“They chose us.”
A voice came from the hallway.
“You’re finally figuring it out.”
Daniel Reed stepped into the room.
Ethan raised his weapon.
Reed smiled.
“You’ve been asking the wrong question.”
Sarah stared at him.
“What should we ask?”
“Why were those children allowed to disappear?”
Ethan frowned.
Reed continued:
“Because someone wanted them gone.”
“Who?”
Reed looked at Noah.
“The same person who chose you two.”
Sarah’s eyes narrowed.
“Who?”
Reed smiled.
Then the office door exploded inward.
Armed men stormed the building.
Reed disappeared into the chaos.
Ethan grabbed Noah.
Sarah fired toward the ceiling.
“MOVE!”
