The Perfect Father
Everyone loved Joe Miller.
He was the dad other dads wished they could be. Present at every game. Knew every kid's name. Made sure there were snacks after practice. While other fathers worked long hours, Joe was always there.
What no one asked—what no one wanted to ask—was why.
Joe chose his role carefully. Stay-at-home dad. Football coach. The man surrounded by children. The man no one would ever suspect.
When Danny Latimer started spending time at the Miller house, Joe found his obsession. His wife's partner's son. His own son's best friend. The boy who trusted him completely.
Joe told himself it wasn't wrong. He wasn't hurting anyone. Danny was special. Danny understood.
Until Danny didn't. Until Danny said he was going to tell.
In that moment, every mask Joe Miller had ever worn crumbled. And he reached for the boy's throat.
Afterward, he carried Danny's body to the beach. He placed him carefully. He went home and made breakfast for his family.
Ellie kissed him goodbye before she drove to work the case.
She had no idea she'd spend weeks looking for a monster who slept beside her every night.