The brass door handle rattled violently, the sound echoing like thunder in the cramped storage room.
Javed froze, his breath catching in his throat. Martin’s large hand instantly flew to Javed’s mouth, his fingers warm and firm against his lips, silently demanding absolute stillness. Martin threw his own weight forward, pinning Javed flat against the metal shelving, using his massive frame to shield him completely from view if the door somehow gave way.
"Javed? Dad?" David’s muffled voice called out from the hallway, accompanied by another impatient jiggle of the handle. "Liam said you guys came down this way to check the linens. Why is the door locked?"
Javed’s heart hammered so hard against his ribs he was certain Martin could feel the vibrations through his chest. He stared up into M
