A gentle breeze billows across the land, giving the late fall air a crisp, nippy feel; colorful leaves lazily drift to the ground below. Diurnal creatures burrow deep into their beds, surrendering to their fatigue, while the nocturnal critters begin their evening routine.
A thin ray of warm light seeps from the cracks of an old-time cabin nestled deep within the foothills of Blackfoot Mountain. The chalet, with its saggy porch and disintegrating wood that flakes at the smallest touch, is the place the Campbells have called home for nine long years. Things are now settled, a familiar routine in place. A serenity they once thought was impossible. But it wasn't always that way. In fact, there was a time not too long ago when they'd lie awake at night, always listening for unfamiliar footsteps, wondering if they'd even survive the night.
See, Tommy Campbell, the father of five, was tangled deep in a criminal enterprise. Every risky move and every well-told lie stole a small piece of him. The only thing that helped him through the cold, lonely darkness when he felt like his world was closing in was knowing that every risk he takes and every lie he tells is for a bigger purpose, something bigger than himself. It was for his wife and kids.
Tommy hadn't intended on breaking the law, not after all the calamity he clawed his way through the pain and heartache he was forced to endure just to escape that life. But then the doctor informed him that without a costly medical procedure, his beautiful wife and the daughter she carried would die.
Rationalization shifted in his head, stripping him down to his most primal fight-or-flight instincts. Tommy did what he had to do to keep them alive. Which put him and his family in the dark, corrupt world he swore he'd never return to. Forcing Tommy to run from the mob and the law.
Caught by the police, Tommy decides to strike a deal with the local authorities, an agreement many men have succumbed to. After telling the authorities everything he knows, Tommy would testify against the mob in exchange for having all his current charges wiped clean. He knew it was a gamble that could easily get him killed; if his arrangement ever found its way back to the mob boss, he wouldn't live to see another day, but he also knew his family would finally be safe, making it a risk Tommy was willing to take.
When it was time for him to take the stand, Tommy was abruptly approached by a tall, brawny man. The stranger had a thick Southern drawl; his words were as sharp as a new butcher knife. He threatened to kill not only him but also his family if he dared to testify.
The threat made Tommy's blood run cold. Paralyzed with fear, Tommy decides to deny everything he confessed to the police.
The prosecutor questioned Tommy's sudden change of heart. After discovering what had been said, the trial was postponed until his family was secretly moved to a safe house in another state; Tommy joined them soon after he testified. All was going well, almost back to normal. Until that frightful night a few months later when the past burst through the front door.
Standing in the soft cabin's glow, Tommy thinks back to the night they thought was their end.
It was a cold, eerie night in late February. A blanket of fresh snow had just fallen, and more was to come—a blizzard, the weatherman had warned. Inside the small, quiet home, The Campbells were nestled within the cabin's warmth. The four boys were sleeping soundly, tucked cozily in their beds; their newborn daughter was nursing contentedly in Jen's arms. Tommy is half-dozing beside them; the evening news is playing in the background—a typical Tuesday night.
Tommy springs to his feet when he hears glass break. "Get the kids to the safe room," he orders, moving towards his gun from the safe. Seeing the horror flickering on Jen's face, in a calm, steady voice, he adds, "I'll be right there." The family has practiced their escape, despite the officer's reassurance that the safe house was secure.
"You promise?" Jen asks, knowing Tommy's impulsive heroism.
More glass breaks. "Go, now," Tommy commands, pointing towards the stairs.
Terrified, Jen scoops up the baby and dashes to the top floor.
Tommy is heading towards the back of the house when he's blinded by a sudden blast of white. Dozens of headlights are beaming through the picture window, like a firing squad preparing for a kill. I'm outnumbered. Sweat puddles in every orifice of his body despite the frigid temps outside. His ashen face loses all color as he stares at the horror in disbelief. How did they get through the high-tech security system? He asks, picturing the setup in his mind. A ten-foot iron electrical fence encompasses the property with several motion-censored cameras posted every few feet and a team of security officers guarding the gate. "I hope the cops get here quick."
Tommy bolts towards the stairs. A high-caliber bullet zips through the window, shattering the thin glass. Tommy drops to the floor. Fragments of glass scatter all around him. I need to get upstairs, he thinks, bellycrawling across the floor.
He'd just slammed the door of the safe room too when he heard heavy footsteps thundering down the hall. Boot chains clank with every step.
Tommy presses his fingers to his lips. The sleepy boys nod.
Jen points to her cell phone and then shakes her head. There's no signal, and the phone is nearly dead.
Tommy then recalls how the roads were quickly transforming into deadly layers of ice when he pulled into the drive a short while ago. Escaping isn't an option, and help isn't coming any time soon, he thinks nervously, eying the door.
The cold, northern wind howls. The small log home creaks under the weight of the storm as the Campbell family huddles together, preparing themselves for what they believe to be the longest and most terrifying night of their lives.