Page 54 of Surviving in Everton

“It makes it so the person who takes it can’t tell a lie for a whole day.”

“So you’re going to give it to someone and ask them questions to see if they lie?”

“That’s right. How do you feel about being our little tester?” Rowen asks

Violet’s eyes widen, though I’m not sure if it’s surprise or fear. “You wantmeto take the potion?”

“Not if you don’t want to. You don’thaveto, baby. I can make one of the guys do it, so don’t worry. It was just a suggestion that Ayden made. I can always make him do it instead.” Rowe winks at Violet and she giggles in response.

“It won’t hurt, right?” Violet chews on her bottom lip, just like her mom when she’s nervous.

“Not at all, Angel. I wouldnevergive you anything that could hurt you. It’s perfectly safe. Either you can lie to us after you take it, or you can’t. That’s the only thing it’s going to do. I promise,” Ayden assures her.

“Don’t worry, Violet. I’ll do it,” Logan offers.

Violet gives Logan a look of pure adoration. “You’d do that?”

“Of course I would! I’d do anything for you, Violet. You know that.” He rolls his eyes at her.

“Okay! I’ll do it then. If Logan does it with me.”

“Alright, come here and I’ll give you a sip,” Ayden tells them.

“Mmmm, that tastes good!” Violet giggles.

“Wow! It tastes like root beer!” Logan says.

“No it doesn’t, silly! It tastes like Shirley Temples!” Violet shakes her head at him.

“You’re both right. I made it so it would taste good to whoever drinks it. Logan, you like root beer, so that’s what it tastes like. Same with you and Shirley Temples.” Ayden winks at Violet.

“Good idea, Ayden. That way she won’t taste a difference in her drink tomorrow.” Rowen smiles at him.

“How long does it take to work?” Logan asks Ayden.

“Oh, not long. Why? You worried about what kind of questions we’ll ask?” he responds.

“Yes. I mean... Yes. Why did I say that? That’s not what I was going to say!” Logan whines.

“Looks like it’s working then.” I chuckle.

The kids look at each other with wide eyes. Like they didn’t really expect it to work, and now they’re worried.

“Why are you worried, Logan? What don’t you want us to ask you?” I ask him.

“About… about Emma.” He tries to stop the words, but the spell doesn’t let him.

“What about her?” Declan pries.

“She told us something. But she made us promise not to tell anyone!”

“Logan. If you know something bad, you have to tell me. Is it something I should know? Or is it a silly little kid secret?”

“It’s… it’s bad, Dad.” His forehead creases and his mouth twists as he recalls the conversation in question.

“Then you have to tell us, son. You won’t be in trouble, but you should never keep a secret if it hurts someone, or if telling someone could help.”

“She said… she said her mom left her home alone this weekend!” he blurts out.

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