“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the ghost of Oakridge.”

I stood slowly, my heart hammering a warning. My brother, Daniel, filled the doorway, grinning a wolfish smile, a leather briefcase in his hand. Behind him, Vanessa’s eyes glittered.

And beneath the heavy coat, my mother began to silently weep.

Chapter 2 — The Locked Bathroom

“What are you doing to her, Claire?” Daniel asked, his voice dropping an octave as he stepped into the room.

“Daniel,” I said, forcing my voice level. I smoothed my skirt, buying a second to lock away my shock. “It’s good to see you. I drove down for Mom’s birthday.”

He strolled in and tossed his briefcase onto the glass coffee table with a loud smack. He looked immaculate — custom navy suit, perfect hair, the picture of a successful real estate developer.