Just for Today, Be My Son

Chapter 4: Harrow House

Caleb pulled Evelyn and Anna inside the garage.

"Kill every signal," he ordered.

The Wolves moved fast. Phones went into metal boxes. Wi-Fi died. The garage doors locked down. Bear smashed the tracking device under his boot.

Anna cried. "They made me hold it. They said they would hurt him."

"Hurt who?" Evelyn asked.

"Grandpa Charles."

Everyone froze.

Evelyn whispered, "Charles is behind this."

Anna shook her head. "No. He told me to warn you."

Saint replayed the call. The weak voice belonged to Charles Harrow, Evelyn's husband. He had been locked inside Harrow House, the family's private medical estate, while Adrian Vale used his name, signature, and legal authority.

Anna had also hidden a drive inside her red coat.

On it was a video from Charles.

"Evelyn," he said on screen, bruised and weak, "Vale has moved against us. I lied to you for decades, but not about everything. Your first child lived. Caleb Stone is your son. I confirmed it last year."

Caleb felt the room shift.

Charles continued. "Vale's mother ran the clinic. Her network sold children, changed identities, and blackmailed families for thirty years. Julian found the records before he died. It was not an accident. Vale had him killed."

Evelyn covered her mouth.

"Caleb," Charles said, "I do not ask forgiveness. Get them out. And if you can, end Harrow House."

That night, they moved.

Evelyn drew the layout. Saint looped cameras. Bear called a retired detective. Caleb listened and said little.

Harrow House stood on the ridge like a rich man's prison. They entered through an old service tunnel Evelyn remembered from childhood.

They found Charles in a locked medical suite, barely alive.

"Vault," he whispered. "East wing. Vale is moving the files tonight."

Then the door slammed shut behind them.

A wall screen lit up.

Adrian Vale smiled from the screen.

"Thank you, Mr. Stone. I needed Evelyn, Anna, Charles, and you in one place."

Smoke began slipping under the door.

"Now," Adrian said, "the fire will look tragic."