Page 128 of Twisted Collide

I flip over the card. My breath catches in my throat. Memories of that night come flooding back, unwanted and vivid.

The handwriting. I know the handwriting, but it’s the note scribbled that has chills running down my spine.The past always has a way of haunting us.

I drop the photograph as if it singed my fingers. My mind races a million miles a minute.

Who sent this? Do they know?

Maybe it’s just a coincidence.

Anger and fear surge up, threatening to overwhelm me.

My heart pounds in my chest. It feels like I might throw up.

I flop down on the couch. The weight of it crushing me. Guilt and regret swallowing me whole.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” an angry voice booms from the now open front door of the house. I peer up and see my uncle Jim storming toward me. The man is a mean son of a bitch.

I sit up taller. “You’re going to have to be a little clearer. I do a lot of shit,” I respond, trying my best not to let him see fear. If my uncle sees blood in the water, he’ll pounce.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about, you little shit.”

From the corner of the room, the small face of my sister pops through the open door that leads to the basement. She was downstairs playing and must have heard the commotion. I meet her gaze and give my head a little shake, not large enough for Uncle Jim to notice, but enough that she knows what I’m telling her. To leave.

It would be bad if he caught her.

“You’re a kid. There’s no way you really think you’re going to win.”

“I will.”

“With what money? You have no income.” He sneers at me. “Don’t fuck with me, Dane.”

I stand from the couch, stalking over to where my uncle stands. “Get out.”

“Big, tough guy. Let’s see how tough you are when I make sure you get none of your parents’ money.” He laughs before turning around and leaving the house.

“Your uncle is an ass.” I turn to see my friend Nick sitting there.

Fuck. I forgot he was there.

“So what’re you going to do?”

I bury my head in my hands. “I have no idea.”

How the hell am I going to get the money to fight my uncle for custody of Molly.

“I might just have an idea that will solve all your problems . . .”

What amI going to do?

My whole life is based on a lie, and now—

No. This is just a coincidence. I shake my head back and forth, and if it’s not?

My phone rings, and I see a text coming through.

It’s Hellfire.

I can’t see her.

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