Maya let out a ferocious snarl and kicked out with both her legs, trying to fend off her attacker.

"Stop it! Maya, it's Officer Lofts!"

A flashlight beam shot into her eyes, momentarily blinding her. She could make out the blurred outline of the officer, one hand outstretched, the other gripping a holstered weapon.

"Don't move," the officer ordered, her voice now as sharp as broken glass.

Maya blinked back tears. Relief was a wave washing over her, draining the last of the fear from her shaking limbs. She was safe, at least for now. But even as she took a shuddering breath, a creeping realization filled her mind. This wasn't over, not by a long shot.

Outside, the wail of sirens pierced the night, drawing closer. Their flashing lights pierced the darkness, casting grotesque shadows on the splintered wood of the broken door.

Officer Lofts reached down, and helped Maya to her feet.

Stolen novel; please report.

Maya's entire body was trembling, her her heart hammering in her chest.

It's just Officer Lofts, she repeated to herself, trying to calm herself down.

"Come on," said Officer Lofts, urging Maya to sit. "You're bleeding."

Maya looked at her trembling hands, spotted with blood. Then she touched her forehead and felt a sharp sting. Fresh blood stuck to her fingertips where she'd touched her wound. Officer Lofts raised her radio to her mouth and called for paramedics.

"Did you see them?" Maya asked, her voice shrill.

"Maya," Officer Lofts said, calmly, "There's no one here."

Just then, from behind officer Lofts, came the crunch of broken glass and splintered wood from underfoot.

Maya jumped to her feet and cried out. Officer Lofts already had her gun and flashlight out, turned, and aimed down the darkened hallway at the figure creeping toward them.

"Mom!" Maya shouted.

Maya's mother wore an expression of both anger and concern. "What the hell is going on in here? Look at this place! Maya, what happened?"

"It appears someone tried to break in," said Officer Lofts. "Paramedics should be here any moment."

Mrs. Banford bent down and picked up a shattered picture frame. "What a mess."

Officer Lofts shook her head and brought her gun back to her holster. "We'll get someone to check your breakers. Don't worry Maya, you're safe."

Maya wished she could believe her.