Even in her escapist fantasy, Lena was killing people. I knew her, but I’d never understand her. And even without the brutal undercurrent, blowing off my life for a never-ending vacation wasn’t me. It was all a lie. My life wasn’t my own any longer; it was Grace’s and Michael’s and my parents’. And, God help me, Aimee’s.

I glanced down at the scissors, then back up at Lena. “Actually, you and Aimee are a lot alike.”

“The hell we are,” Lena shot back.

“Waiting for your moment, biding your time.” I regretted the words the moment they were out, but there was no going back.

The creases around Lena’s eyes deepened with irritation. “Quit fucking around and stab the bitch. Or do you need me to get you in the mood?”

She ripped the tape off Aimee’s mouth, but instead of screaming, Aimee squeezed her eyes shut, a whimper escaping her lips. “Isn’t this everything you dreamed about? She stole, and she fucked your boss, and she lied, and she set you up. And when they were firing you and smearing your name, she didn’t just stand there, did she?”

Lena gave her another shake. “No, she joined in with her bullshit and her froufrou little lies. I know this type. She hates other women. You were her competition and her fall guy. Are you going to let that stand?”

My hand was cramping around the blade of the scissors slick with my sweat. “I don’t want—”

“You do want this. You’re just too nice to say so.”

I heard the faint sound of a door closing, and the relief almost buckled my knees. I wasn’t alone. The police would be here soon.

“Last chance, Kacy. You do it, or I’ll have to. Either way it’s on you.” Lena braced herself, and I knew how quickly she could bend and slide her arm behind Aimee’s knees to flip her over the railing.

I stepped forward, my hand still outstretched, and the point of the scissors hit Aimee under her arm. She screamed, and in the depths of the museum, the noise swelled. I dropped the scissors and the flashlight, both clattering on the floor.

Lena gave me a look of utter disgust. “You are a weak-ass bitch.”

Then, just as I had imagined, she bent to slide her arm behind Aimee’s legs. Before Lena could flip her over, I lunged, grasping at Aimee’s bound arm. I missed, but my knee caught Lena in the nose. She staggered backward, losing her grip on Aimee.