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

“If you take her side, I’ll make sure everyone knows what kind of girl she is.”

Thomas took one step toward her.

Veronica stepped back.

He did not yell.

That made him sound even more dangerous.