Evan’s hand pressed firmly over my mouth.
Outside, a car door slammed.
Then another.
Footsteps.
Slow.
Deliberate.
Coming toward the house.
I could hear my own heartbeat roaring in my ears.
Evan leaned close.
« Don’t make a sound. »
His voice was barely a whisper.
The footsteps stopped outside the front door.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then a flashlight beam swept across the curtains.
I felt my stomach twist.
Whoever was outside was looking for someone.
Looking for us.
A phone buzzed in Evan’s pocket.
He pulled it out and stared at the screen.
The color drained from his face.
« What? » I whispered.
He swallowed hard.
« It’s him. »
« Dad? »
Evan nodded.
My entire body went cold.
Another flashlight beam crossed the window.
Then the footsteps retreated.
A car engine started.
Slowly, the vehicle drove away.
Neither of us spoke for almost a minute.
Finally, Evan turned the light back on.
His hands were shaking.
I’ve never seen my brother afraid.
Not once in my life.
Until that moment.
« Evan, » I said softly. « Tell me everything. »
He sat down heavily in a chair.
For a long time he stared at the floor.
Then he looked at me.
« The accident wasn’t an accident. »
I felt the room spin.
« What do you mean? »
« The car that burned wasn’t mine. »
I blinked.
« What? »
« It was staged. »
The words sounded impossible.
« Dad arranged it. »
I stood up so fast the chair tipped over.
« No. »
« It’s true. »
« No. »
Tears filled Evan’s eyes.
« Carrie, listen to me. »
I shook my head.
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