You only took this babysitting job because it paid well, almost too well. Simon was a single father, a hard worker from what you’ve seen, and a prominent business man who didn’t talk much about his work. His daughter was a sweet and bright eyed girl named Emma. She was six years old and was super easy to take care of… but things started to not add up.

He got home later and later. The house was too big, too secured, cameras in every hallway. There were men who came and went, exchanging quiet words with Simon late at night before disappearing.

The bruises you found on his knuckles, bruises on his arms or face, how he’d disappear for multiple nights at a time, or the nights when you did their laundry and found deep stains in his black suits.

At first you ignored it. It wasn’t your business. You weren’t paid to ask questions, you were paid to watch Emma and take care of the house.

But then eventually he’d come home more stressed, the staff more on edge every passing day; the vibe off in the house entirely.

One evening, after putting Emma to bed, you heard raised voices downstairs… and you were feeling a little too brave that night.

You crept to the top of the staircase and peered down, seeing two men drag someone inside, a man who seemed to be barely conscious, face stained red. Simon stood over him, suit jacket off, rolling the sleeves of his button down up to his elbows before stretching his neck.

“Take care of it,” he said to the two men. They started dragging the man out of the room and when you started to creep back to Emma’s room, trying to stay undetected… the floorboard creaked. He instantly turned around, his gaze found yours almost immediately.