Page 135 of Wicked Games

Dad glanced over his shoulder, then back to me. “Listen to me, Margo.”

I met his gaze.

“Don’t believe what they say about you and me. Okay? You’re a Wolfe. You’re strong. Your—” He broke off and squeezed my hand. “Your grandmother would be proud of you.”

I’d never met my grandma, although Dad talked about her a lot.

He revealed a small bag of bird seed. “How about you go feed the ducks?”

I grabbed the bag and hopped up. The ducks swarmed to the edge of the pond, crowding me without getting too close. They weren’t that brave. And really, neither was I.

There was a commotion, and I spun around. A police officer was taking Dad away!

I dropped the bag and rushed back.

“Daddy!” I screamed.

A woman caught me by the shoulders. “Shh, Margo. It’s okay. You’re okay. Can we sit? We need to talk.”

Things are going to change, Dad said. I didn’t think he meant so soon.

Instant. One minute we’re gasoline, the next we’re aflame.

And I haven’t stopped burning.

Chapter 35

Margo

Present

Dear Dad,

This feels weird. I told myself writing to you wouldn’t be bad—it’s better than a phone call you could reject or a visit you could deny. But instead, it feels like I’m about to bare my soul on the page.

I’m not sure I’m ready for that.

Do people keep you updated on my whereabouts? If not, the short story is that I’m back in Rose Hill, and I’m also back at Emery-Rose Elite with the same classmates I left when I was ten.

The not-so-short story is that I’ve always had memory issues surrounding the incident that put me into foster care, and I’ve started experiencing flashbacks.

Listen, I know you denied my request for visitation when I was a kid. I wish you hadn’t done so, but I think I understand it a little. You didn’t want me to see you like that… but all I wanted was to know it would be okay.

Maybe you couldn’t have given me that.

Anyway. Because of the flashbacks, I’m left with more questions than answers. I’m going crazy trying to piece it together.

My foster parents think it would be a good idea to have some sort of relationship with you. I don’t know if I agree with that, but… I do need you to fill in some gaps for me.

No one else is willing to do so.

I hope this letter makes it to you.

Sincerely,

Margo

Dear Margo,

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