of a massive American dinner. Platters of roasted ribs, mashe

e gripped her fork, her mouth wa

ve pile of meat onto Ava's plate. "

up a long, wicked-looking boning knife.

The blade slid through the meat and separated the joints

might look clumsy, but he was s

ted his fork, chewed exactly twenty times, swallowed

silence, Ava cleared her thro

He dabbed the corners of

e voice. "He is a doctor. He specializes in anatomy and h

doctor. That sounde

department. His primary function is asking questions. He is very

Her new family was practic

isgust crossed his face. "He is a neurotic, sickly heir. He lives wi

ch kid throwing tantrums. She made

f as she set a hot apple pie on the tab

took Ava by the hand

the door to the b

ruffled curtains, and a bed buried under dozens of massive stuffed

throat tightened, and hot tears spi

arms around Carrie's wais

ned completely. She

he pink door shut. The second the latch clicke

ght for the basement. She pulled open a heavy,

cleaning the slide of a Glock 19. Cody sat at a

folding chair. She crosse

cold and sharp. "From this second forward, ever

"No more clothes smelling like cop

d you. Stop using sociopathic ter

e absolute, lethal dominance of the family matriarc