“Please, call the police,” I managed to say, my voice strained. “Jared… he tried to poison us.”

Her eyes widened further, but she nodded, a steely resolve taking hold. As she dialed, I held Eli close, whispering reassurances I wasn’t sure I believed.

Within minutes, the wailing sirens pierced the quiet night, a sound I never thought I would be relieved to hear. Officers swarmed the neighborhood, taking statements, examining the remnants of the dinner we left behind. I sat on Mrs. Leverne’s couch, Eli dozing fitfully in my lap, feeling as though I were watching someone else’s life unravel.