Silas: Stay put. Don’t confront her. Don’t do anything. Gideon and I are talking to Penelope. We’ll call you soon.
Before I can react, Gideon texts too.
Gideon: You’re not in trouble. We’re going to handle this. But you need to tell us everything.
My throat tightens.
Me: I heard her last night. She’s hiding something. I think Minxy saw something. I think my mom… It’s bad. Just call me.
Three dots appear. Then disappear. Then appear again.
Gideon: We’re on our way. Do not leave the house.
I drop onto Abi’s expensive rug and stare at the highlighted notes until the words blur.
Penelope, Silas, and Gideon are all tangled in this now or about to be. I think I’m relieved. Because for the first time since I was younger, I’m not alone. I look back at Minxy’s name.
Whatever happened before… Whatever she saw… Whatever our mom “buried”...
I’m done letting this family pretend it didn’t exist.
Chapter Twenty-Five
PENELOPE
So this is really happening.We’re breaking into my childhood home like a pack of very attractive raccoons.
“We’re going.” Gideon sighs.
Silas nods, calm in that broody-murderous way he has. “Get dressed.”
I’m already dressed. Yoga pants and a hoodie. Hair in a bun that screams, “I’m not emotionally prepared for this.” I don’t tell them that part of me wishes they’d insist I stay behind. It’s my childhood home… but I haven’t walked through that front door without stress since Abi moved in.
But Minxy might be in trouble, and I’m tired of pretending Abi’s normal. My dad deserves better, and there’s always been something off about her.
Silas drives while I sit in the back like a sulking teenager whose two boyfriends are chauffeuring her into Hell. The trees blur by. My knee bounces. Gideon keeps glancing back, probably checking if I’m breathing.
“We’ll be in and out,” he promises.
“Who keeps personal files in the bedroom?” I ask. “I mean, I know she wanted her own office, but my dad told her last year they couldn’t swing a remodel.”
“It’s just them there,” he replies. “She’s not worried about anyone snooping cause who’s there? Your dad’s in love, and normal people in love don’t go through each other’s shit. It’s why we won’t touch anything we don’t need to.”
“Talon’s still there?” Silas asks.
“Yes,” Gideon answers.
“Good,” Silas mutters.
“Is he okay?” I ask.
Gideon smirks. “Admit it. You like him.”
Silas sighs. “He does grow on you.”
“Like mold?” I mumble.
“Sure,” he says.
