Leaping off the machine, Clay grabbed the boy's trembling shoulders. The kid, Danny, looked up with tear-streaked cheeks and begged,
"Please, please help my mom!Clay didn't hesitate. His protective instincts, forged through years of hard living, kicked into overdrive.
"Stay behind me,"he commanded, his voice steady but fierce. He charged toward the front door of the house.A tall man in a black shirt, Thomas, stepped out, blocking the entrance. His face was twisted in anger.
"What the hell do you want?"Thomas yelled, stepping forward aggressively.Clay didn't waste time negotiating. With a powerful shove, he pushed past Thomas, sending him stumbling backward. Clay stormed into the dim hallway, his boots thudding against the hardwood floor.
"Sit down!"he roared back at Thomas, who was trying to recover.Clay kicked open the first door he found, which led to a brightly lit bathroom. There, huddled on the cold tile floor, was Megan. She was weeping, her shoulders shaking with terror. Clay's heart sank, but he kept his composure. Kneeling beside her, he spoke softly.
"Easy, I got you,"he murmured, offering a strong hand.He guided Megan outside, where Danny was waiting. The moment the boy saw his mother, he rushed forward, wrapping his arms around her waist in a desperate hug. Clay stood protectively over them, his gaze locked onto Thomas, who had followed them out onto the porch.
"Try it again,"Clay warned, his voice low and dangerous.