was always

focating scent of lilies. Her uncle Warren's face, a mask of false sympathy,

a ma

ing delicate, crocodile tears. "How could you lie to us

gging her across the marble floor, her heels scraping. The heavy oak doors

ainst the old, rattling windowpane. Her heart hammered against her ribs

t a dream.

attered the night's quiet. A loud, v

BAM

e fumbled under her pillow, her fingers closing around the familiar shape of

y a slurred, angry male voice. The whole door frame

the lock gave way. The door flew

into the room. He reeked of stale cigarette smoke and c

"Get out," she hissed, her voice low and shaking

l 'em. It's my daddy's building. They can't do shit." He took

. "So you and the old loony are out. I need a place t

her voice rising in disbelief. "It

nted on," he sneered. "I'll give you back

bedroom doorway, his thin pajamas hanging off

im. "And take this usele

ing out to shove Althea toward th

button on the pepper spray,

th

were sharp, clear, and filled with a primal, protective rage. He m

Mitch with his f

His heel caught on the edge of the worn rug. He flai

e back of his head hit the sharp

s head. Althea gasped, pulling Arthur

mask of pain and fury. Blood was already matting his

mbling, bloody f

s glee. "You're done. I'm calling the cops. Assault!