Chapter 6 - The Calls That Never Reached Him
Abigail left her training session early the next day.
Diane’s excuses no longer made sense.
First, Hunter had been sleeping.
Then he was outside.
Then the internet was down.
Then Diane claimed his tablet had stopped working.
Abigail called Rachel directly.
Her sister answered after six rings.
“What’s happening?”
“Nothing.”
“Let me talk to Hunter.”
“He’s in the shower.”
“At three in the afternoon?”
Rachel said nothing.
Abigail stepped into the quiet stairwell outside her classroom.
“Is Mason there?”
“No.”
The answer came too quickly.
“Rachel, listen to me. If you let him near Hunter, you are violating a court order.”
“I said he isn’t here.”
“Then put Hunter on the phone.”
“I have to go.”
The call ended.
Abigail immediately booked the earliest flight home.
A storm had canceled most departures. The first available seat was the following morning.
She contacted the local police department and requested a welfare check.
An officer arrived at Diane’s house that evening.
Mason left through the basement door moments before the cruiser pulled into the driveway.
Diane opened the front door wearing an apron and a nervous smile.
The officer explained that Abigail had concerns about Hunter.
“He’s fine,” Diane said.
Hunter stood in the hallway behind her.
The officer waved.
“Hey, buddy. Everything okay?”
Hunter looked toward the basement.
Diane placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Tell him.”
Hunter wanted to say Mason’s name.
Then he saw Mason’s black SUV through the side window.
It was parked behind the neighboring garage.
Mason was still watching.
Hunter looked at the officer.
“My mom wants me to call her.”
Diane laughed lightly.
“He’s upset because her training schedule is busy.”
The officer crouched.
“Has anyone hurt you?”
Diane’s fingers tightened on Hunter’s shoulder.
“No,” Hunter whispered.
The officer noticed no visible injuries.
He told Diane to have Abigail call again and left.
The moment the cruiser disappeared, Mason returned through the basement.
He looked at Hunter.
“You almost made a serious mistake.”
Hunter stepped backward.
Mason held up Abigail’s printed flight confirmation.
Diane had found it in her email.
May you like
“Your mother is coming home tomorrow,” Mason said. “That means we’re running out of time.”
👉 Before Abigail could reach the airport, Mason planned one final recording—and this time, he intended to make Hunter obey.
