The hell she is … Charlie thought. Probably cooked some scheme up with the Janssens’ smartass lawyers …

‘If you wish to discuss your brother’s financial arrangements, you’ll have to contact your sister or Desiree Troughton at Troughton and Oliver. I called exclusively to discuss your visitation issue.’

‘Yes,’ Charlie said. ‘Care4Kids doesn’t have a website. I couldn’t find any information with your visiting hours, or anything, but I’m eager to see my little brother.’

The doctor cleared her throat. ‘Unfortunately things aren’t that simple.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Edward is a demanding resident, with strict routines. Your sister, and the nursing staff, have told me that Ed was attached to you. When you were first imprisoned, he was extremely distressed. Crying night after night. Asking where you were.

‘But he’s adjusted to your absence now. Your sister feels strongly that your reintroduction into Edward’s life could cause a major setback. Someone with your volatile history is unlikely to be able to provide the emotional stability that a vulnerable young man like Edward needs.’

Charlie felt like she’d been punched in the head. ‘He’s my brother. Surely I have a right to see him?’

‘You absolutely do not,’ Dr Raphael said firmly.

‘I looked after Ed,’ Charlie protested. ‘Washed his clothes, hugged him to sleep, made his food …’

‘I suggest you speak to your sister. Perhaps Fawn will reconsider when you’ve demonstrated that your anger issues are behind you and your lifestyle has stabilised.’

Charlie didn’t know how to reply. Saturday had felt like a fresh start, but now she’d barely slept and Fawn was messing with her again.

‘Your sister’s attorney will be sending a letter to you at Obama Independent Living. It will explain that there could be serious legal repercussions – including the possibility of arrest – if you make any attempt to contact your brother.’

Charlie’s brain turned somersaults. She rested the phone against her thigh and stared at the sky with a huge lump in her throat.

Why does Fawn hate me so much? What did I ever do to her?

Living the high life at the Janssen house and dipping into Ed’s money every chance she gets.

That girl’s evil. That’s all there is to it …

• • •

‘How’d everything go yesterday?’ Kirsten asked.

She’d been reading a book on the balcony and stepped inside as Harry spooned foamed milk on to two mugs of coffee.

‘Good,’ Harry said, shrugging.

‘You seem grumpy.’

‘We had a good day,’ Harry said, resenting his aunt’s intrusion.

‘You can talk to me,’ Kirsten said. ‘I was a teenage girl once. I know how their brains work.’

‘Matt’s waiting upstairs,’ Harry said dismissively as he picked up the coffees.

‘Use a tray or you’ll spill.’

Harry grabbed a tray and tried not to see Brad’s smug face as he walked upstairs.