Innocence

t understand. I have to move forward.”

“I know, London. I get it.”

There was something brewing in the back of Millie’s mind, but I further explained my reasoning. “I can’t let Dad lose anything else. It’ll get worse if I start poking around into things. Dad and Mom have suffered enough.”

“You said Rachel was there and saw how Charles reacted to you yesterday at the Paddington’s?” Millie was furious as her jaw set firm.

I exhaled. “Yes. Rachel, her parents, and Caroline were all there. I ran to Caroline’s place and she invited me in. She was shocked everyone came home when they did.”

None of it made sense. There was no way to plan it since my showing up had been spur of the moment. Plus, I was released early. Millie cocked her head and I knew what she was thinking. “Charles chose her, Millie. He chose to let me go. I don’t want him anymore. It’s over.”

“And he’s a bastard for not realizing what he lost.” Millie cocked her head and put her hand on her hip. A giggle escaped. “I’m serious, London. He deserves to have his beans and frank hurt . . . severely.”

More laughter escaped. We couldn’t stop. It was cathartic. “Charles better avoid you for a while.”

“Damn straight.”

After our conversation settled, I realized how tired I was. “I’m going to say goodnight to Sparkles and head to bed. Figure this all out tomorrow.”

“Want me to stay the night like old times? We could get fat on ice cream and watch reruns of 90210. Even though you only eat like a quarter of a cup and leave the rest to me.” She sighed. “Dylan always gets my blood boiling. Brandon vrooms my engine.”

Another laugh escaped. We were obsessed with these men. The show was a staple through high school. Who cared if it was a show from the nineties? It was a classic we happened to find one night on a channel doing reruns.

“Can I get a rain check on Brandon and Dylan?”

“Of course. Love ya, girl. Keep that chin up. I’ll stop by tomorrow to check on you.”

“Love you, too. I’ll be here.”

Millie gave me another hug. Her support was something I treasured. Through everything, she was my best friend.

The barn light was still on. Dad probably was working late in the back part of the shop. I’d let him know I was tired while I made sure Sparkles was okay. All of the sudden, Sparkles sounded into distress. I heard her angrily neighing and pounding, like the stall was kicked.

I picked up my pace hoping a snake hadn’t gotten in her stall. The door at the end of the barn swung. Nervously, I glanced around making sure I was alone. Sparkles pawed the ground clearly agitated. My eyes drew to an unwelcome note in red ink that was attached to the stall with a serrated hunting knife.

I screamed.

Dad rushed into the barn and stopped at the sign. “What the fuck?” He grabbed my shoulders. “Are you okay?”

I nodded and he took off toward the open door, grabbing a pitchfork. “Dad, be careful!”

He didn’t answer. My whole world swayed as I leaned against the stall. Sparkles nuzzled me, helping to ground myself in the present.

How could this be happening?

Was this all because of Alec?

Or did it really have something to do with Charles, like Millie suggested?

Was it all interrelated?

The questions spun out of control. I had no idea. None of it made sense—whatever way I looked at it. Dad came back in the barn, locking the open door. “I can’t see anything this late at night. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m shaken, but no one was here when I came in.”

Bringing me to him, Dad hugged the life out of me and I let him, needing his strength. “Let’s check Sparkles out and head to the house. Okay?”

“Okay. She was kicking the stall. I want to make sure she didn’t hurt herself.”