Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 402

Jeffry rapped his knuckles softly on the door-twice-then waited, but there was no response.

He frowned, gave the door a firmer knock, and called out, "Liam, are you in there?"

Still, the door stayed tightly shut. Not a sound came from inside.

Jeffry glanced back at Sean. "Sir, I don't think Liam's home."

Sean's expression darkened, frustration flickering across his face.

Ever since Mandy's death, Liam hadn't shown up to work for over a month now. No one had any idea what he'd been doing all this time.

Sean drew in a long breath, trying to steady himself, but anxiety gnawed at him, relentless.

He slammed his palm against the door, desperation creeping into his low voice. "Liam! Open up!"

door

wavered, and he stumbled hard against the cold

etched into his face. "Are

head, his voice rough. "I'm

lifted his gaze, eyes fixed

"Sir, maybe we should come back later-Liam might

door for a long moment before finally starting to turn

silence broke a faint creak as the

at Sean and Jeffry, the tiny girl's voice soft and sweet: "Mister, who are

voice made Sean

Claire's his heart skipped a beat. His eyes stung, and before he knew

when she blinked. But her hair was dull and straw-like, her little face thin and pate from months of poor nutrition. The timid way she clung to the door

out, voice catching in his

girl stared, confused, clutching the doorframe as if