HIS NEIGHBOR WOULDN’T STOP REPORTING THE SOUND OF A GIRL CRYING INSIDE HIS HOUSE—THEN HE HID BENEATH HIS DAUGHTER’S BED AND HEARD HER PLEAD FOR SOMEONE TO SPARE HER

“I told her mother you were struggling.”

“You told them I made things up for attention.”

“You do.”

Thomas turned slowly. “Enough.”

Veronica looked at him, shocked by the tone. “Thomas, you cannot seriously believe this.”