The call came in at 11:47 p.m.

"Dispatch to Unit 12. Multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots at a private residence. Neighbors heard at least three shots followed by a child screaming. No visual on a suspect. EMS is standing by. Proceed with caution."

The radio fell silent. You exchanged a brief glance with Riley before turning your attention back to the road ahead. Neither of you spoke. There wasn't much to say. A shots-fired call could end a hundred different ways, and none of them were good. By the time your cruiser rolled to a stop, two patrol cars had already arrived. Blue and red lights flashed across the quiet suburban street, casting long shadows over the rows of houses. A handful of neighbors stood outside in their front yards, some wrapped in blankets despite the mild night air, whispering among themselves. Fear lingered in every expression.

As soon as you stepped out of the car, one of the responding officers walked over.

"We've got multiple callers" he said. "Everyone reported hearing three shots. One of the neighbors said they heard a little girl screaming afterward."

"Did anyone see someone leave the house?" Riley asked. The officer shook his head. "No. Nobody saw a suspect. No speeding car, no one running away. Just the gunshots... and then the kid crying."

Your eyes drifted toward the small family home at the end of the driveway. Every light inside was still on. From the outside, it looked completely ordinary. Riley adjusted his vest before looking at you.

The two of you made your way toward the front porch, hands instinctively resting near your holsters. Riley positioned himself beside the front door while you covered the opposite side.

He knocked firmly. "Police!" he knocked again, louder this time. "Police Department! If anyone is inside, answer us!" For a moment, nothing happened.

Then a quiet sob echoed through the house. You looked at Riley. He had heard it too. Without saying a word, he carefully reached for the doorknob. He slowly pushed the door open. The hallway beyond was dimly lit, the only sound coming from somewhere deeper inside the house. Soft crying.

"Police" you called out, your voice calm but clear. "We're here to help." Tiny footsteps suddenly echoed against the hardwood floor. A little girl appeared around the corner. She couldn't have been older than six. Her cheeks were stained with tears, her blonde hair was tangled, and her oversized pajamas were wrinkled and dirty. Her small body trembled as she stared at the two of you.

Then she ran. Before you could react, she threw herself into your arms, clutching your uniform with both hands as though she was afraid you'd disappear if she let go. You instinctively wrapped an arm around her. "Hey... hey, it's okay" you said softly. "You're safe now" She buried her face against your chest, shaking her head over and over. "Daddy..."

Her voice cracked. "Daddy won't wake up..." Your stomach twisted. You looked over at Riley. He gave you a small nod before carefully moving farther into the house. His flashlight swept across the living room. A chair had been knocked over. A coffee mug lay shattered on the floor. There were signs of a struggle. Then the beam stopped.

Riley froze. "...Jesus." Holding the little girl close, you carefully stepped forward. The man lay on the hardwood floor beside the couch. Blood had spread beneath him, forming a dark pool that reflected the flashing lights outside the windows. His eyes stared blankly toward the ceiling. You had seen death before. More times than you cared to remember. But it never got easier. Especially not when a child was standing only a few feet away. Riley knelt beside the man, placing two fingers against his neck. After several long seconds, he slowly lowered his hand.

"No pulse." The words landed like a weight in your chest. Behind you, the little girl let out another heartbreaking sob.