“And what if you’re a Fury?” That was unfair. “This is my choice!”

Bobbie hesitated. “Then at least be careful,” she finally offered me. “And be quick. Rose will return soon.” With that, she left me.

I rushed behind the houses, keeping my head and shoulders low, avoiding windows, trying to remain within the shadows that grew with the fading sun. Slowly a plan began to take shape in my mind.

Harrison and the children would be home. When the weather permitted it, he often enjoyed a sunset devotion with his children on the front porch in plain view of all who might pass by. Which meant they wouldn’t be in the house. Rose usually accompanied them, but I knew she wasn’t back yet. If she’d left the clinic only moments after me, she wouldn’t be far behind. If she’d delayed for any reason, I’d have a couple minutes longer. Either way, I assumed I had less than ten minutes.

Getting into the house would be as simple as using the back mudroom window, which would be open, allowing the evening breeze to cool the home. The screen was loose in the bottom right corner, which would make it possible to pop out. The basement door would be locked, but I thought I knew from Stephen’s confession where Rose kept the key.

If she’d hidden it elsewhere, my entire plan would be foiled. My stomach churned as I prayed with each breath that I would find it.

By the time I reached the Pierce home, I was panting hard and my dress was drenched in sweat. I brushed my arm across my forehead as I pulled up to listen.

Harrison’s low, soothing voice carried on the wind—they were outside as I’d hoped. I hurried for the mudroom window, afraid that if I hesitated I would lose my resolve.

The window was about six feet from the ground. A firewood chest sat beneath it. I stepped onto the chest, eased my fingers through the broken screen and popped the right corner out. Then popped out the left corner with a sharp tug. With both bottom corners free, the screen came loose. I placed it inside and leaned it against the wall.

Placing both palms onto the sill, I hoisted myself up until I could swing my right leg up and into the open space. I stopped half in and half out, listening. What was I doing? It was insane! But I was committed, right? And my legs were dangling in the breeze for anyone to see.

Rolling over the sill, I found the floor with my right foot, and I was inside, crouched, breathing too hard, listening for any sound from the front.

The house was still quite dark. They hadn’t turned on any lights yet.