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

Veronica had not snapped. She had not made one mistake. She had spent years resenting a grieving child and then helped other children punish her for it.

Thomas walked to the bedroom door and blocked it.

“Lucia, pack a bag.”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed. “Where are you taking her?”

“Away from you.”