Page 6 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

Dad struggled against the handcuffs. It was quite the commotion.

“Where?”

She frowned. “Your dad was just arrested. I’m with Social Services. We’re going to try and locate your mom, okay?”

My pulse raced. “Mom? No, she…”

Blank.

“I’m Angela,” she said. She shook my hand and then wouldn’t let go. She pulled me up and away.

I wondered if there were more police officers to arrest me, too.

“Come on, honey.”

We were almost to her car.

Dad said never to get in the car with strangers.

I screamed.

Blank.

I screamed, didn’t I?

Blank.

If I didn’t scream, did I get in the car? Go with her willingly? Give up on my family?

Blank.

Blank.

Blank.

* * *

Present

I wake with a start. Pink walls. White curtains. Flowers a foot from my face.

A dream—maybe more real than not?

There are gaps in my memory. I think they’re bigger than I realized.

“Who is Unknown?”

I roll over, gasping.

Ian sits on the edge of my bed, facing away from me. He has my notebook.

“Well, I think the point of the name Unknown signifies your lack of knowing who they are. Unless they call themselves Unknown? Hmm.” Pen scratches the paper as he writes something. “Why is Caleb set on ruining my life?”

“Why are you in my room?”

He glances back at me. “Technically it isn’t your room.”

“You’re prying.” I get off the bed and circle around it, stopping in front of him. “Give it back.”

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