𝑆𝐸𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑇𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑅𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑇 ( BOOK 1)

Chapter 19 : Vortex of Fear

Tilda paced back and forth, her frustration palpable. "How can we keep failing?" she fumed, her eyes blazing with anger.

Lieutenant Harrison stepped forward, attempting to maintain a composed demeanor. "Ma'am, if you allow me and my troops, we could capture Sol. She may be powerful, but we can outnumber her."

Tilda laughed, a sharp, mirthless sound. "Outnumber her? She flung a helicopter like a toy! You think you can just march in and grab her?"

Riley, Tilda's tracker, entered the conversation with a worried expression. "We've lost their trail, ma'am. They’ve vanished."

Tilda’s fury erupted. She swept everything off her table, sending papers and equipment crashing to the floor. "Find them!" she screamed. "Or you'll wish the monsters had gotten you first."

Meanwhile, the Bellweathers were on a mission of their own. They drove from house to house, alerting the families of the children who had been part of William's experiments. Each stop was filled with urgency and solemnity as they warned the families to protect themselves.

As they drove, Peter asked Sol, "How many more left?"

"Just three: Tom, Clara, and Max," Sol replied.

They arrived at Max's house first. Sol knocked on the door, and the sounds of a heated argument could be heard inside. When the door opened, Max's mother stood there, her face contorted with disdain.

"What do you want?" she snapped, her eyes narrowing when she saw William. "You! You’re the reason for all of this."

Penelope stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Say what you want about my father, but at least he’s not a coward who takes out his problems on his own family."

Max’s mother’s face reddened with fury, but before she could respond, Max appeared. He had bruises on his face, which he tried to dismiss as accidents. Sol, however, wasn’t fooled.

"Max, we’re here to warn you about Tilda. She’s coming after all of us. You need to be ready."

Max looked at his parents, their indifference glaringly obvious. "Can I come with you?" he asked. "I can't stay here. I want to help."

William nodded. "Pack your things quickly. We could use your help."

Max hurried to gather his belongings while his parents showed no concern over his departure.

---

Next, they headed to Tom and Clara's houses. The two were neighbors, making their task a bit easier. Sol knocked on Tom’s door, but it was Clara who answered, throwing her arms around Sol in relief.

"Sol! What are you doing here?"

Tom joined them, his face lighting up in surprise. "Hey, Sol. What’s going on?"

William stepped forward, his expression serious. "Tilda is planning another attack. You both need to be prepared."

Clara and Tom exchanged worried glances, then noticed Max standing behind Sol. "Max? What are you doing here?"

"It's a long story," Sol said. "But we need to stick together."

With the warnings delivered, the group decided to find a safe place to stay. They drove to a nearby motel, hoping to rest and plan their next move.

In the motel room, Sol, her family, William, and the three other kids sat together, discussing their options.

"We need to be ready for whatever comes next," William said. "Tilda won’t stop until she gets what she wants."

Max nodded. "We’re stronger together. We’ll be ready."

Tom and Clara agreed, their faces determined. "Let’s end this," Clara said. "Together."

As the night deepened, the Bellweathers and their allies prepared themselves for the battles ahead, knowing that the fight for their survival was far from over.