ming. My cheek was on fire, and a raw patch on my scalp burned whe

ked open do

? Honey, i

from 3B. Her kind, wrinkled face pe

silk pajamas torn at the shoulder,

ping me to my feet. My whole body ached

d old books, and sat me down on her plush floral sofa. She

"I've heard the yelling before, but ne

the phone, her voice firm and clear

lly arrived, two uniformed officers, Mrs. Gable le

cked, loud and authorit

ere, his face a mask of calm concern. His mother hove

friend, Gabrielle, she's having a bit of a hysterical episode. We

y voice trembling. "He

ce was red, my pajamas were torn. But the

med in, her voice syrupy sweet. "Young peop

d at me. "Did he

ng strength. "He slapped me a

t's a ridiculous accu

eet lens I' d installed in the corner of the livin

g directly at Matthew. "In the liv

his eyes. Pure,

oved. He grabbed my arm, his grip like steel, and drag

r shut and pinned

rage. "If you show them that footage, I will ruin you. I'll call your firm. I'll tell them you'r

oor. "They're just making up, officers.

throat was immense.

ell, looks like a family dispute. Nothi

tsteps moving awa

ing. They were leavi