“Because he made my life a misery back then, he really did. How much can he have changed? He’s going to come back and…and…upset Julia, I know he is. Because he’s…” I pause, take a breath. “I’m sorry, I know he’s your brother, but…it’s not even just him—it’s both of you. Ever since we met you, it’s like you were surrounded by death. Ellie, Bella—even Nicole. First your little sister, then Nicole—and I know Jack was with Nicole. And Bella, was he with her too? Or was that you?”

“What exactly are you saying, Tess? What exactly are you accusing us of?”

“I’m not. I’m sorry.” I swallow. “But please don’t—” That weird panic is back, building in my gut. “Please don’t bring him back. He’ll upset her. It’s what he does. He’ll upset everyone.”

He frowns. “So despite the apology, we’re still the bad guys? Still unwelcome in the Cooper household. Well, it’s not about you, is it? It’s not about what you want.” He pauses, sighs. “Never mind. You should be getting inside. It’s dark. Getting late.”

“What about you? Are you staying with us or…?”

“You don’t want me staying with you, not really.” He glances back at the house. “I’ll go back to Dean House. I have my sleeping bag, a flashlight. One last night.”

I shiver. I’d never spend the night there. I should ask him back into the house again. I should insist. I open my mouth and close it again. I can’t.

He’s right. Deep down, where that fluttering panic lives, they’re still the bad guys.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

I have to tell you, Tess. I have to tell you have to tell you…

I wake with a gasp, Bella’s voice, barely heard above the roar of a storm, still echoing in my head. I’m shaking, not in my bed. Christ. I’m in the hallway, my hand on the latch of the front door. I’m sleepwalking? I pull my hand away, fingers stiff and sore. Oh God, the door is unlatched. If I hadn’t woken up, would I have gone outside in my pajamas, gone wandering off still asleep? I rub my face. It’s cold, but my forehead is damp with sweat and my heart is pounding.

“Tess?” It’s Dad’s voice, pitched low. He’s at the top of the stairs, bathrobe on.

“It’s okay, Dad,” I whisper. “I…I couldn’t sleep. I came down for some tea. Go back to sleep.”