econd-floor landing, Chlo

below-the screaming, the shattering glass, the desperate plotting-washed over her. But her expression didn

and walked back to her room, her f

A simple bed, a small desk, a bookshelf. On the bed sat a worn tedd

was etched with guilt so deep it seemed to physically hu

e tried to sound cheerful. "Daddy needs yo

on-a "new game" where she would go to a bea

chest. She looked up at him through her lashes. Her voi

his pocket and pulled out a debit card. "This has a lot of

face was plastered with a sickeningly sweet smile. She h

tion. Her touch made Chloe's skin crawl. Karyn's eyes held a glint of c

dred-dollar bill from her wallet, fanning them out in her palm.

eath held. A final, cruel confirma

n deep, difficult concentration. Her small hand lifted, her finger h

r bill and, without hesitation, plucked

across her face. "George Washington," she murmured,

out sighs of relief, exchanging a look of smug satisf

of shame. He had secretly hoped-pr

children, laughing as she always chose the smaller coins or bills. She had learned early that if she took the sma

g under the kitchen table, and had overheard Diane complaining to a friend on the phone. "The girl is too

nderstood, with a clarity that was terrifying for a child, that her intelli

around herself. Behind that wall, she secretly devoured books, taught herself to co

to use her, she felt a cold, hard resolve settle in her heart. It was time for

ded, her expression one of chil

from now on," Karyn said, her

hoing in her mind. Of course. Because I am about to

r, deliberately choosing old, childish dres

rlwind of calculations, planning every move, every contingency for her arrival at the Carlisle estate. This wasn't

perfectly. Until she was