Page 56 of Inheritance

A dull, muffled sound spilled into the room. Like a door slamming somewhere deep in the house.

Sal’s head snapped toward the bedroom door.

“What was that?” I whispered.

Another sound. Louder. Sharp.

A shout.

Caroline was frozen, her hands still clutching her elbows.

Sal scrambled across the floor, crawling on his hands and knees, gathering the keys one by one, frantically, as if he had been found out.

Then—

Gunfire.

One shot. Then two more in quick succession.

Close.

Too close.

Sal surged to his feet.

The whole house had gone still again, like it was waiting to see what would happen next.

Gunfire erupted again.

Ripping through the silence.

Rapid fire. No rhythm. No warning.

The sound came from everywhere at once.

Caroline looked at me and I looked at her. She was shaking. I was too.

The air felt too thick to breathe.

“I have to see what’s happening,” Sal said.

“No,” Caroline cried out immediately, voice small and tight.

I didn’t speak. Just shook my head. Eyes locked on him. Begging without saying it.

But he was already heading toward the door.

He cracked it open, just enough to peer through. A shaft of light arcing through the dim room.

Silence.

Then another burst—somewhere distant.

He looked back at me one last time.

His pale face looked like he might not come back.

Then he slipped out, shutting the door behind him.