“I don’t. I was just missing you when I wrote it, is all,” Gemma said, breathily.

“I know, sweetie, and I’m sorry you had to stay here for so long. I’m hoping we can go back home soon…”

“Norah.” This time when Francis spoke, his authoritarian tone was directed at me. He stood at the bottom of the stairs, hands resting on his broad hips.

“Go on, Gemma.” I nudged the small of her back and watched her tiny legs as she pumped down the stairs toward Francis. He opened his arms, scooping her up when she reached the bottom. As Gemma giggled, his eyes lingered over her shoulder, pinpointing mine.

There was something cruel and territorial about those eyes… I turned away from him, clutching my suitcase in one hand, flexing my fingers into a fist with the other.

There was something about the way Francis interacted with Gemma that put me on edge. And, although I’d only been here for a couple hours, I was already wary.

To complain, or even to think bad thoughts about my aunt and uncle, felt like ingratitude at its finest. If it weren’t for them, Gemma probably would have become a ward of the state, I reminded myself. I’m grateful, I’m grateful, I’m grateful…

But I simply couldn’t shake the feeling. Something about Francis … isn’t right. Grateful or not, he’s only her temporary guardian and he’s acting like he’s king of the castle.

Like the ornate furniture with its semi-hidden layer of dust, and the damp chill that permeated the air, there was something rotten about my uncle, and perhaps the entire place.

The Secrets of Cedar Farm is available in ebook and paperback now

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