“What’s happened?” she asked, her voice a mix of shock and empathy.

I took a shaky breath, struggling to form coherent sentences. “Jared… he… tried to…” My words faltered, my mind recoiling from the enormity of the betrayal.

Understanding dawned on her face. She quickly led us to the living room, her hands gentle on Eli’s shoulders as she settled him on the couch. “I’ll call the police,” she said, her tone firm and resolute.