“Stay where you are, Sarah,” I said.

Vanessa let out a sharp, ugly laugh that rattled the teacups on the sideboard.

“Call anybody you like, Sarah!” Vanessa jeered.

“My name’s on the mortgage deed down at the county building!

I own these walls!

I own these oak floors!

You’ll all be sleeping in that rusty pickup before the month’s out!”

Lily started chewing the inside of her cheek again, her head sinking as she stared at the black plastic purse on the rug.