“This may be your hardest game yet. You’ve robbed a bank and seriously wounded a security guard. All modes of transportation out of the city are guarded. Your face is plastered on the TV screen. Then the security guard dies.”

“A little harsh,” I said. “Give me a moment to figure it out.”

“We’re only playing a game, Sis.”

I nodded. “When I planned the robbery, I outlined all that might go wrong. I studied the bank’s layout and found the entrance to an attic in a storage closet that also housed the alarm system. The attic exited onto the roof. Late at night, I climbed onto the flat roof. Nothing there to hide under. Disappointing, but I could haul two black tarps up there ahead of time, one to hide under and the second tarp to hide a disguise. If a helicopter flew over, nothing would look out of the ordinary. I chose winter, which decreased daylight hours. I’d rob the bank on a Thursday night when it was open until seven, buying me time and darkness. From experience, few customers or staff are there then. I’d take care of business and disable the alarm. I allotted fifteen extra minutes if I had to remove the opening to the attic. Once on the roof, I’d change clothes and disguise my appearance with what was left under the tarp. Under the other tarp is a portable—”

“You’ve used a rope before. You need something different.”

“For now a portable ladder.” Marissa smiled, and I jumped back into the game. “I make my escape from the rooftop and walk to where a car awaits. I drive to the next state and a city with an airport where I’ve already purchased a ticket under an assumed name. I’ll use my passport under the alias and fly to Denmark, where I’d invest the stolen money and live happily ever after.”

“You forgot one thing.”

I stared back at her. “Where to invest the money?”

“You’ll need to learn about money laundering.”

How hard to admit she not only manipulated but also despised me. If Mom were alive, I’d ask her to provide insight into Marissa’s behavior. But then again, I wouldn’t have risked upsetting her. She had two daughters whom she loved, and my questions would’ve drawn a dividing line between her affections. Oh, how I longed to spare Dad and Aria.

My stomach growled with a reminder I needed to contemplate supper. Mike had stopped at a small grocery along the way and purchased potatoes, salad fixings, broccoli, bananas, and a gallon of milk—for himself. Not me. Even the color of it soured my stomach.

He met me on the porch. “Did you call Denton?”

“No.”

“He’s worried about you, and his voice sounded like the look on your face.”

I shook my head and connected with Denton. “I’m grilling deer steaks for tonight. Will you be here in time?”

His familiar chuckle relaxed me. “I have enough hot s-t-a-k-e-s right here. Amy-Jo suspects we’re up to something.”