“You don’t get to take property off these premises,” Christopher said.

He reached out, grabbed my upper arm, and twisted my elbow until I had to turn away from Raymond’s bed.

“You came here six weeks ago with one coat and a sick baby, and that’s exactly how you’re leaving.”

On the bed, Raymond moved his hand under the white sheets.

His dark eyes were wide and fixed on my face, his chin lifting half an inch off the pillow.

His lips parted, but nothing came out except a dry, thin scrape of breath that caught in his throat.