Page 166 of Everything She Feared

“Oh, my God!”

86

Seattle, Washington

“What’s wrong with me, Mom?”

Sara was now with Katie in the kitchen and took deep breaths, struggling to keep up the facade of being in control.

“Honey...” Sara searched for words. “Anna’s death was traumatic, like getting a wound in your heart and your mind, you know?”

“Everybody says that I killed her and that police are going to get me because I’m this terrible killer.”

“Honey—”

“And you got a lawyer person—I don’t understand. I’m so scared.”

“Hold on, let’s get you back upstairs to your room.”

Sitting on the bed, Sara took hold of Katie’s shoulders gently and, with all the love and resolve she could summon, stared into her eyes.

“Yes, it’s scary, because it’s complicated. That’s why we have Rose to help us. She’ll be here in the morning, so listen to me. No matter what police say or do, nothing bad will happen. We will protect you, but, and this is so important, you can’t keep any secrets about what truly happened on the cliff. Do you understand, Katie?”

She nodded.

“Now, you said that when Anna was taking her selfie, a bad thought came into your head like lightning, asking what it would be like to push her over the edge. Is that true?”

Katie lowered her head.

“Is that true, Katie?”

“Yes.”

“Is that all?”

Katie was silent.

“Is that all, Katie? I swear to God, you have to tell me because police will be here tomorrow. So, is that all?”

Katie shook her head.

“What else?”

Katie, her voice barely above a whisper, said: “The thought that jumped into my head also said—” Katie stopped.

“What, honey? It also said what?”

Big tears rolled down Katie’s face.

“It also said do it! Push her!”

Sara recoiled, mentally absorbing what Katie had revealed.

“Did you do it?”

“No!” Katie shook her head. “It was like this big war in my brain! A huge horrible war between good and bad. Seeing her standing so close to the edge and the voice telling me to push her.”

Sara blinked, absorbing the revelation.

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