CHAPTER 1: THE WHISPER
The boyâs lips trembled.
âI⊠I didnât pack it,â he whispered, his voice barely audible over the distant echo of alarms.
Officer Brooks froze.
âWhat did you say, son?â
Tears welled up in the childâs eyes. âThatâs not my bagâŠâ
The words hit harder than any explosion.
Brooks didnât hesitate. âEveryone back!â he shouted, pulling the boy away from the backpack and guiding him behind a security barrier. âBomb squad! Now!â
The mother staggered backward, shaking her head violently. âNoâno, thatâs not possible! I packed everything myselfââ
But her voice cracked.
Rex barked again, pacing in tight circles, his focus never leaving the bag.
Within seconds, armed officers flooded the area. The terminal was being evacuated in waves. Panic surged, but the perimeter tightened fast.
âMaâam,â Brooks said firmly, stepping in front of her, âI need you to stay calm. When did you last see your sonâs bag?â
She swallowed hard. âAt⊠at the check-in counter. I told him to sit while I spoke to the attendant. There was a man next to him⊠I didnât thinkââ
Her voice broke completely.
May you like
Brooks exchanged a look with another officer.
That was all they needed to hear.
