Miller disarmed him in an instant, sending the sidearm into the darkness with a kick.
Caleb emerged from the shadows, moving slowly until he stood two feet from the kneeling sheriff.
“You…” Vance gasped, clutching his throat, his eyes wide with raw, unmistakable terror. “Who… who are you?”
Caleb lowered himself onto one knee, bringing his face inches from Vance’s.
“Seventeen years ago, I was the man the United States government sent when they needed a monster put down,” Caleb whispered, his voice carrying an authority that made Vance tremble. “Then I retired. I cleaned floors. I picked up my son from basketball practice. I paid my taxes. I stayed quiet because I thought I was done with monsters.”
Caleb seized Vance by his tactical vest, pulling him upward until their eyes were level.
“You took my son’s legs because he didn’t look at you with enough fear,” Caleb said softly. “So now, I am going to take everything you have ever touched.”
