I struggled to suppress a rising panic, reminding myself to stay calm for Chloe’s sake. She was watching me closely, her young eyes filled with worry, mirroring the fear she must have felt when she first saw the scars.

I bent down to her level, holding her shoulders gently. “Did Dad say who might hurt us?” I asked softly, hoping for a clue, anything that might explain this nightmare.

Chloe shook her head again, her small body trembling. “No… just that he was keeping us safe.”

A cold dread settled in my stomach. Mark was protecting us, but from what? Or who? Someone capable of inflicting pain, of sending a message through violence.

I needed answers, and I needed them now. But I also needed to protect Chloe, to ensure whatever storm was brewing would pass without touching her innocence further.

With a renewed determination, I made a quick call to Mark’s closest friend, Dave, from the plant. Maybe he knew something, anything that might shed light on Mark’s situation. I spoke in hushed tones, careful not to alarm Chloe further.

“Hey, Dave,” I said when he picked up. “I’m at the hospital with Mark. Something’s happened… Can you come by? I think he’s in trouble.”

Dave’s voice was tense, concern threading through the line. “I’ll be right there,” he replied, hanging up quickly.

As I waited for Dave, I stayed by Mark’s side, my heart heavy with dread. I held Chloe close, whispering reassurances I wasn’t sure I believed myself.

When Dave arrived, his expression was a mix of worry and confusion. After a brief greeting, I pulled him aside, leaving Chloe with a nurse I trusted, asking Dave if he had any idea what Mark had been dealing with.

Dave hesitated, glancing back at Mark’s sleeping form. “He mentioned something about the new contract, something sketchy… but didn’t give details. Just said he had it handled.”

The pit in my stomach deepened. “Handled” clearly meant more than just work issues—it meant danger, threats, and fear.

Chloe’s words echoed in my mind. He said if I talked, someone might hurt you too.

I knew then that whatever this was, it was far from over. But I was determined to stand by Mark, to uncover the truth, and to ensure our family’s safety. The fight was just beginning, and I wouldn’t rest until I knew we were all truly safe.