Knock. Knock. Knock. "Delivery for Kayla!" the driver called out again. Through Reed's open lapel mic, Teresa heard a faint rustle inside. Derek paused behind the front door, peering through the small lens. Seeing an ordinary civilian standing on his porch holding a package, he disengaged the chain lock and turned the deadbolt.
The moment the latch clicked open, Officer Reed, who had been crouching out of sight right beside the door frame, pushed the driver safely aside and slammed the door inward with full force. The heavy wood hit Derek's shoulder, throwing him off balance onto the foyer hardwood. Reed lunged across the threshold, pinning Derek to the floor and snapping cuffs onto his wrists before he could react.
Gomez swept in through the unlocked side door, securing the hallway as Kayla sprinted upstairs. Ivy was sound asleep in her bed, cheek pressed against her stuffed rabbit. Two minutes later, Gomez radioed in. "Dispatch, the caller wants to talk to you." Kayla's voice came through the line, shaking and real: "I never got your name..." Teresa let out a relieved breath. "It's Teresa. I'm glad you're safe, Kayla."