I slipped inside quickly, nerves still screaming. The familiar scent of the house enveloped me—faint traces of motor oil from the garage, the fresh laundry smell that always clung to Frank’s clothes, and the lingering ghost of Logan’s whiskey, even though he’d been gone for weeks.Frank shut the door behind us with a soft click, leaning against it with his arms still crossed like a shield."Alright," he said. "Talk."For a moment, I just stood there in the dim foyer, trying to find a way to start a story that felt too massive for words. My hands shook, so I shoved them into my pockets so he wouldn’t notice."I went back to the house earlier," I began, my voice unsteady. "Just to grab some clothes and my notebook for school. I didn’t think anyone would be home."Frank watched me closely but kept quiet."I was walking past the study when I heard voices," I continued. "Roderick and Mr. Carlby, our Butler."At Roderick’s name, Frank’s brow furrowed slightly, the first real crack in his gu
Last Updated : 2026-05-15 Read more