Claire leaned close to me, adjusting my hair.
“Even unconscious, she loves playing the victim,” she whispered.
“When she dies, we take the boy out of the country. Everything’s already arranged.”
Ethan stepped back.
“You’re taking me?”
“Somewhere you won’t ask questions,” Ryan said.
“I want my mom!”
“She doesn’t decide anything anymore.”
“Yes, she does! She told me if anything happened, I should call Ms. Parker!”
Silence.
Ms. Parker.
My lawyer.
The only person who knew I had changed my will two weeks ago.
Ryan locked the door.
“What lawyer?”
Claire stiffened. “That kid knows too much.”
And then—
it happened.
One finger.
It moved.
Ethan saw it—but said nothing.
He leaned close and whispered,
“Mom, don’t move. I already called for help.”
“What did you say?” Ryan snapped.
“I said I love her.”
Claire reached into her purse.
