The Shattered Promise

Evander's phone rang while he was in his study reviewing security protocols for the upcoming week. The call came from Garth's number, and Evander answered immediately, expecting a routine check-in about the girls' shopping trip.

"Garth, everything alright?"

The silence on the other end lasted only two seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. When Garth's voice finally came through, it was shaking so