vitational pull of Francesco's rage. He didn't shout. He didn't r

if he didn't exist. He w

d, lowering his hand. "She attacked Felicia! Sh

e Annelise. He took off his suit jacket, drap

?" he ask

wet with tears. She was shaki

ing the lapels of his jacket. "

e had sliced her calf. A thin line of crims

. He turned

"Uncle Fran, listen to me. She twisted Felic

eding," Francesco said. "And I

screeched from the corn

sco said withou

ed in the do

ks again, ban her from all Lanc

a by the elbow, dragging the pr

loser to Preston. H

rancesco said, his voice a low

elled, desperate now. "She knows things about

roat. He didn't squeeze to choke; he squeezed to control. H

eston. You always have been.

n ten feet of her again, I will not call the police

face turning purple.

Preston slumped to the

t o

feet and ran. The door

d to the room,

ck to Annelise. She was still on the floor, watching him. Her

s fingers hovering near her face. He gently took t

you?" Fran

whispered. "Y

d touched his cheek. Her fingers brush

you," s

He despised tears. But seeing her like this, so small in his oversiz

said roughly. "I

mindful of the glass. He carrie

he com

ed him walk to the window, his shoulders tense.

his pieces exactly w