ht-iron gates of the Fitzgerald estate. The rusted bumper looked like

ked up his radio, taking a full five minutes to verify her identity, his ey

Her stomach cramped violently, a sharp pain radiati

reserved for the maids and landscapers. She pushed the c

rose maze, heading straight for the ma

hild's laugh cut th

er head toward the glass con

grass. He held a massive, expensive water gun, laughing maniacally

ted sister, the "charity angel" of Chicago society. She held a bone-china t

e changed direction, march

hat right now!"

He didn't hesitate. He whipped the heavy water gun arou

hest. The icy liquid soaked instantly through her thin

catching in her throat f

ded, her voice ster

five-year-old let out

ar! Go away!" Austin yelled, his

This was the child she had tried to love, the boy s

clothes. She closed the distance between them in three long strides, s

second. Then, he opened his mouth and l

sprinted straight i

burying his face in An

Idella like a

nst her ribs. She stared at the two of the

ut it vanished instantly, replaced by a mask of perfect,

up, her gaze shi

h a child, Idella," Angelita said, her vo

g finger at the boy. "Why

e sigh. She looked at Idel

sed when they lack a consistent maternal figure. You've been living in Seattle

zy. Angelita was blaming her for the boy's behavi

e wanted to scream, but the exhaus

ace and stuck his tongue out at Idella

xactly like Angelita's. A sickening, absurd thought brushed against the edge of her m

a asked, her voice dropp

She pointed a manicured finger toward the third floor of th

her wet clothes clinging uncomfortably to her skin, and beg