CHAPTER 4 – The Warehouse Beneath the Church
Shadow broke free before anyone could stop him.
He didn’t run randomly.
He followed the scent.
Through rain-soaked streets, across an old bridge, and straight to an abandoned church at the edge of town.
Detective Miller followed with Sarah beside him, both terrified of what they might find.
Inside the church, candles burned around the altar.
But behind it was a hidden steel door.
From below came the sound of crying.
Children.
Sarah nearly collapsed.
“No…”
Shadow slammed his body against the door again and again until it bent open.
Below the church was a secret basement.
Cages lined the walls.
Old betting screens flickered.
And in the center of the room stood Chief Hayes, holding Emily by the arm.
“You should have let the dog die,” Hayes said coldly.
Shadow stepped forward, bleeding from his shoulder.
Hayes laughed.
“You’re still protecting her? After everything humans did to you?”
Emily looked at Shadow with tears streaming down her face.
Then she whispered,
“You’re not a monster. You’re my hero.”
Shadow lunged.
But he didn’t attack Hayes.
He knocked Emily out of his grip just as Hayes fired.
The bullet struck a gas pipe.
A violent hiss filled the basement.
Detective Miller shouted,
“Everybody out!”
As flames began crawling across the floor, Shadow turned back.
Because inside the last cage…
May you like
Was another little boy.
And the door was locked.
