A Little Girl Told Me “Sad People Aren’t Evil”—Then One Hidden File Made Me Turn on the Man I Trusted Most.

"No!" Ellie screamed, grabbing Jude’s arm. "You can't! They'll put you in prison, or Reggie will have someone kill you inside!"

Jude placed his broad hand over hers, his touch surprisingly warm despite the cold night.

"If I run, they chase all of us," Jude said, his eyes locking onto hers with absolute clarity. "If I surrender, the police focus on me. It gives you time to take the USB drive to District Attorney Vance. He’s the only clean cop in Providence."

Brinley reached out from the blanket, touching Jude’s sleeve. "Uncle Jude?"

Jude froze. It was the first time she had called him that.

A rare, faint smile touched Jude’s lips, softening the scar on his face. "Keep Barnaby safe, little one," he murmured, gently patting the teddy bear in her tiny hand.

He turned to Ellie. "Go. Now."

Ellie swallowed back her tears, knowing he was right. She opened the heavy metal grate of the coal chute and climbed down into the dark, damp storm drain below, holding Brinley tight.

Above them, the heavy heavy doors of the church were kicked open.

"Police! Hands where I can see them!" heavy boots pounded across the sanctuary floor.

Jude slowly walked up the stone steps into the main church hall. He threw his gun onto the altar runner and raised his hands above his head, standing tall under the stained-glass window.

Dozens of armed officers surged into the room, rifles trained on his chest.

Leading the police team was Reggie Shaw, wearing a bulletproof vest and a fake police consultant badge.

Reggie smirked, stepping past the officers. "Jude Mercer. You’re under arrest for the murder of Julian Carter and the abduction of Brinley Carter."

Jude didn't say a word. He stood motionless as officers slammed him against the wooden altar and snapped heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists.

As they dragged Jude out into the rain, Reggie leaned in close to his ear, whispering so only Jude could hear.

"You lost, Jude," Reggie purred. "The girl dies tonight anyway. My men are already waiting at the end of the storm drain."

Jude’s eyes snapped to Reggie, a cold, terrifying smile appearing on his face.