CHAPTER 76

Philip groaned as he tried to lift his head, the throbbing pain in his skull making it difficult to focus. The room was pitch black, save for a faint sliver of light seeping in from a crack in the door. The air was thick with the smell of dampness and dust, and the cold floor beneath him only heightened his sense of dread.

He tugged at the ropes binding his hands behind his back, but they were tied too tightly. Every movement sent a sharp pain shooting up his arms. Frustration and fear gnawed at him. How had he let this happen? He was supposed to protect Jessica, and now they were both at the mercy of whoever had taken them.

His mind raced as he tried to remember what had happened. The last thing he recalled was rushing back to the living room to find Jessica, only to be met by a shadowy figure. Then everything went black. Who had done this? Was it Andrew Lane, finally making his move? Or was it someone else entirely? The possibilities swirled in his mind, each more terrifying than th