Page 13 of 15 Summers Later

“I know she’s your granddaughter. But she certainly was n-not thinking about you, Mom or me when she decided to spill our family’s story to the entire world.”

Once more, she thought she saw a flicker of raw emotion in her sister’s green eyes, one of the few physical traits they shared. It disappeared so quickly, she couldn’t be sure.

“Don’t tell me what I was or was not thinking about when I wroteGhost Lake,” Ava said quietly, her voice expressionless.

Who was this cool, composed stranger in her sister’s body? She knew Ava could be passionate, fierce, when the situation demanded it. Madi was grimly aware she wouldn’t be alive right now if not for her sister’s determination and pluck.

She missed that sister.

“I hear your book is a runawayNew York Timesbestseller. Congratulations.”

She did not bother to mask the bitterness in her tone.

“Thank you,” Ava said. “I’m thrilled.”

She sounded far from it, though Madi wasn’t quite sure why.

“I’m sure you are. You’re our town celebrity now, aren’t you? Have you seen the d-display at the bookstore? It’s quite impressive. Too bad I’m the one who has to live here and deal with the fallout from your runaway b-bestseller.”

Ava said nothing, though her jaw tightened.

“I can’t walk through the grocery store without people wanting to s-stop and talk to me about the book. Did you know that? And every single volunteer at the animal rescue seems to be reading it. How thrilling it all must be for you.”

“Stop.” Leona’s voice held a warning that Madi couldn’t ignore. “I know you are upset with your sister right now. I understand. But she is still your sister and I have invited her to stay with me as long as she would like. When you’re here, within the walls of my house, I expect you to be civil to each other.”

She glowered. “I can’t believe you’re choosing her s-side!”

“I’m not choosing anyone’s side.” Leona’s voice was soft but firm. “I love you both and I hate seeing this book come between you.”

“I’ll remind you that I am n-not the one who chose fame and fortune over family loyalty.”

“Would you like to stay for dinner, Madison?” Leona asked, a slightly desperate edge to her voice. “I’m making that chicken pasta bake you like so much.”

Her stomach growled suddenly, reminding her she hadn’t eaten nearly enough that day.

She did love her grandmother’s cooking, but the thought of eating in the same kitchen as her sister took away any hunger pangs. She found a petty satisfaction in seeing her sister’s features turn slightly green at the mention of food.

Maybe Ava’s guilty conscience was making her queasy. It was exactly what she deserved.

“I don’t think so. I’m suddenly not very hungry,” she said, her tone flat. “Anyway, I need to go. Nicki and I have plans.”

“I meant to remind you that Sunday is our monthly get-together with the Gentrys. Six o’clock. Don’t forget.”

Leona and Tilly Gentry Walker, Luke’s mother, had been friends for years, long before the events of that August fifteen years ago linked their families together forever.

Usually Madi looked forward to their monthly dinner, when the people she loved most were all gathered in one place.

Would Ava ruin even that?

She wouldn’t let her, Madi vowed. Her sister had taken enough from her by publishing the memoir. Madi wasn’t going to let her take that, too.

5

In this abyss of shadows, the cold granite walls press against my back, and the stale, oppressive air suffocates any hope of escape. I can feel the dampness seeping through the thin fabric of my clothes, clinging to my skin like an unseen adversary.

—Ghost Lakeby Ava Howell Brooks

Ava

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