Chapter 13 - The Breach
At exactly midnight, the tactical team breached the front door of Maya's house.
The loud crash echoed through the quiet suburban neighborhood.
"Police! Search warrant!" officers screamed, flooding the hallway.
Back at the station, Miller listened to the police scanner.
Arthur leaned in, straining to hear through the static.
"Suspect is resisting! We need backup in the master bedroom!" a voice crackled.
Arthur’s heart stopped.
"Drop the weapon!" another officer yelled over the radio.
A tense silence followed, lasting for agonizing seconds.
"Suspect is in custody," the radio finally blared.
"Code four."
Arthur collapsed into a plastic chair, burying his face in his hands.
He wept loudly, the crushing weight of the past weeks finally lifting.
Miller patted his shoulder gently.
"You did good, old man," Miller said softly.
"You saved her life."
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But Arthur knew the emotional wreckage would take years to heal.
He just hoped Maya and her mother could find peace.
