Chapter 11: The Confrontation
The tension in the air was almost unbearable as the bear took another step forward, its massive body blocking Rowe from the hospital entrance. Anika’s pulse quickened, her mind racing. She had never seen an animal behave with such purpose before. The way the bear was positioned—calm but unyielding—wasn’t just a sign of protectiveness; it was a warning.
Rowe’s face twisted with a mix of frustration and something deeper, darker—guilt, perhaps. His eyes flicked nervously between the bear and Anika, and for a brief moment, she thought she saw fear in his gaze. But he quickly masked it, forcing a scowl onto his face.
“This is insane,” Rowe muttered, his voice low but sharp. “You’re all making a mistake.”
Anika didn’t move, watching him closely. “I don’t think we are,” she said, her voice steady despite the unease clawing at her. “The bear’s been here, guarding Evan. It’s clear it knows something we don’t.”
Rowe shook his head, the frustration mounting. “You don’t understand,” he said, the words coming out in a rush. “I’ve been trying to get him back, but this—this animal—you have no idea what it’s capable of.”
Anika frowned, taking a small step toward him. “What are you talking about? Why did the bear bring Evan here? What is going on, Rowe?”
Before he could respond, the man who had emerged earlier—who had been watching quietly from the background—took a step forward. His expression was grim, but there was no hesitation in his movement. He addressed Rowe, his voice cold and direct.
“You can stop pretending now, Daniel,” the man said. “It’s over.”
Rowe’s face tightened, and for the first time, he didn’t try to hide his anger. “This isn’t your business,” he spat, his voice low and threatening.
The man didn’t flinch. “It’s my business because you’re the one who’s been running the show. I’m the one who’s been cleaning up after you.”
Anika’s eyes flicked between them. It was clear that whatever was going on between these two, it was something far more complicated than she’d first imagined. The man was familiar with Rowe in a way that went beyond their simple roles as father and son.
“You’re both going to need to come with me,” the man said firmly, pulling out a badge from his jacket and showing it to Anika. “Detective Martinez. We’ve been tracking Rowe for a while now.”
Anika’s breath caught in her throat. Detective? She hadn’t expected that. The pieces were falling into place, but they still didn’t make sense. Rowe, the bear, Evan—it was all linked, but how?
Before Anika could speak, the bear growled again, low and threatening, its stance widening. Rowe, seemingly unprepared for this, took a half-step back. The bear moved toward him, blocking the path to the hospital once again. This time, there was no mistaking it. The bear was ready to act.
And it seemed it wasn’t going to let Rowe anywhere near Evan.
To be continued…