Chapter "A Smile Amidst Threat"

Fredy's voice pierced the tension, "What was that?"

Hamlyn asserted, "You two stay back; I'll go check."

Henry's voice rose in protest, "Hamlyn, don't be foolish; I'm coming with you."

Echoing Henry's sentiment, Fredy added, "Me too."

Hamlyn relented, "Fine, but stay close behind me. I'm armed.”

"Okay," Henry acknowledged.

Hamlyn rose to his feet, directing his gun towards the kitchen, and proceeded cautiously in that direction.

Fredy and Henry trailed behind, their nerves on edge, as Hamlyn called out, "Who's there?"

In a hushed tone, Hamlyn confided in his friends, "I'm going in.”

With caution, Hamlyn entered the kitchen, sweeping the area with his gun, but found it empty.

"Come on in, guys," he called out.

Fredy and Henry joined him, their eyes scanning the room until they noticed a stone wrapped in paper lying on the floor.