Page 62 of The White Picket Fence

“I told you why,” she said patiently. “I was a mess when my parents split up.”

“Did you write tohim?”

Tino.Who probably knew what she’d done by now. “No.”

I wish I had. But I didn’t.

He hauled her to the door, making her walk far faster than she was able.

“Kevin, I can’t walk that fast.”

“Sure, you can. And you will.” He took the stairs quickly, dragging her with him.

She stumbled and fell, unable to hold back a whimper of pain.

He yanked her back to her feet, setting her shoulder on fire. She pulled back, trying to free her arm.

“You arehurtingme.”

“Shut up,” he hissed. “Get in the house.” He unlocked the door and, releasing her, shoved her through.

She stumbled again and fell to the floor. It was hardwood and buffed to a slippery shine. She drew a breath, taking a moment to orient herself.

It was a large foyer, the walls painted a dove gray. Somehow that made her feel better, because that was not what Tino had dreamed about. He’d wanted their walls to be robin’s-egg blue because it was such a cheerful color.

And it would match Charlotte’s eyes.

She was contemplating how to stand up when Hale gripped her sides and lifted her like she weighed nothing. She’d have to use her brain to get out of this, because she was no match for the muscle he’d put on in the twenty-four years since high school.

She placed a hand on the wall to steady herself, only to have it knocked away.

“Have some respect,” he snapped. “I painted these walls myself.”

Play the game.“I’m sorry, sir. I need my cane.”

“Oh.” He sounded vaguely apologetic. “Well, come see the rest of the house. I’ll get you a new cane later.”

She glanced at the stairs and tried not to grimace. The banister was beautifully refinished and the stairs polished to a shine, but she wasn’t going to be able to walk up those stairs.

“The kitchen,” she said brightly. “I want to see it.”

He smiled. “I thought you might. I bought groceries last night, so you can cook for us.”

“Of course.” She shuffled into the kitchen, trying not to think about how much her hip hurt. And then all thoughts were wiped away when she saw Kayla sitting in a chair at the table, still bound and gagged. Her eyes were wide and terrified, red from crying. She made an agonized noise that had Charlotte rushing to her side.

She started to take Kayla’s gag away, but Kevin grabbed her arm again.

“Don’t touch her,” he snarled.

“All right.” He stood slightly behind Charlotte, so she risked mouthing to Kayla. “It will be okay.”

Kayla blinked, sending more tears down her cheeks.

“I’m here,” she said to Kevin. “Let her go now. You promised.”

He chuckled. “I didn’t say I’d do it today.”

She wasn’t surprised. “Has she eaten today?”

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