Henry held his breath, barely daring to move as he crouched behind the front desk, his eyes locked on the silent alarm button just inches away. The burglars’ muffled footsteps grew fainter, but he knew they’d return at any moment. His fingers inched forward, hovering just above the button. All he needed was a single press, and backup would be on the way.
Just as he stretched his hand forward to click it, his elbow brushed against a loose stack of receipts on the counter’s edge. They slipped off, fluttering to the floor with a whisper that seemed deafening in the stillness. Henry’s heart raced as he glanced down the hallway.
The noise had been enough—the burglars’ heads snapped in his direction, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “There!” one of them shouted, his voice filled with sudden, chilling intent. Henry had no time to think. He sprang to his feet, adrenaline flooding his veins as he bolted down the hall. He’d meant to stay hidden, but now he was a moving target, and they were coming for him.