f the branch hung

azy posture vanished, replaced by the rigid stance of a predat

ice shrill. "If that's security slack

tter realization of the timeline. She took a deep breath of the freezing air, placed h

o the halo of t

face and hollowed eyes came into focus,

shattered against the marble steps, sending a spray of

voice twisting into a ter

odshot eyes were locked onto the lit

g the distance. "How old is she?" Deanna asked

e arrogance. She remembered she was standing on her own patio, i

er ear. The patio lights caught the massive pink diamond on

he intricate setting of that ring. She had drawn the sk

stretched across her lips. "Poppy just turned five last mont

i

into Deanna's skull

had been sleeping with Candy at least six months before Deanna

oseph kissing her forehead, whispering that she was hi

he fabric of her jacket over her chest, gasp

leeding woman gasping on the lawn. "Mommy, I'm s

but a ghost, Deanna," Candy spat, her voice dripping wi

robe pocket. "I'm calling security. You'r

the last thread o

rabbed Candy's wrist with her bloody hand, yanked the phone away, and smash

king up against the heavy oak door. "You're in

e collar of Candy's expensive silk robe, twisting the fabr

lying from her lips. "How did you and Joseph

octor," Candy mocked, her breath hitting Deanna's face. "You know noth

ethal whisper. "Joseph never wanted to marry you.

its strings. Her hands went numb. She released Candy's robe, stum

ing beams of high-beam headlights swept acros

leek black Maybach slammed to a halt on the cobblest

but his tie was loose, and his chest was heaving. He had clearl

wife and child on the porch to the bleed

's face. He swallowed hard, his A

at the man she had loved since college. Th

's throat. Hot tears finally spilled over her eyelashe