“I did apply to Missouri State in Springfield. It’s cheaper and closer than Northwestern. But I’m still waiting to hear. Oh—and here’s some good news. My dad is willing to meet you. He wants you to let us know when you can come.”

“That’s great—I hope. I’ll see when I can get time off. Is that all? Your bad news doesn’t sound like the end of the world.”

“That’s because I haven’t told you the worst.”

She told him then, about walking into Garrett’s office and catching Allison in his arms.

“You’re talking about your stepmother? The woman who came here with you? She seemed pretty cool. That’s hard to believe. Are you sure that’s what you saw? Could she have been trying to fight him off?”

“They were all over each other—and no, she wasn’t trying to fight him off. Oh, Liam! I don’t know what to do! I don’t want her in our house. I don’t want to talk to her, or even look at her. And my poor dad—this is going to kill him!”

“Have you talked to your dad?” Liam asked.

“I don’t know if I can. It would devastate him.”

“Listen,” Liam said. “I know what can happen when secrets fester. Put yourself in his place. Would you rather hear the truth from someone who loves you, or have it come out—as it will come out—some other way?” His voice gentled. “I’m not telling you what to do. I’m only asking you to think about it. Ask yourself how long you can hide a lie?”

Tears welled in Brianna’s eyes. Liam was right. Much as it would hurt her father to tell him what she’d seen, it would hurt more for him to find out she’d known the truth and kept it from him.

“I’ll think about it—and try to be brave,” she said. “Thank you, Liam. Just hearing your voice helps. Let us know when you can come.”

“I will—and you’ll get through this all right, Brianna. You’re a strong person and I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Wiping her eyes, Brianna ended the call and headed back toward the trailhead. She thought about calling her father, but that would only make him worry about her. It would be better to just show up.

What if Allison had already called him? She could have fed him a string of lies—lies that he would believe because he loved her. Whatever the story turned out to be, Brianna knew she could no longer stay in the house with that woman. Her father had a choice to make. Either Allison would have to go, or she would.

* * *