—Dawson
Confidential source. Protected identity. Ethical reasons.
A sharp breath escapes my lips, half a laugh, half a sob, and I press the heels of my hands to my forehead.
He knows who it is.
He knows wholied about me. Who called me unstable. Who said I ran away. Who made sure I’d never find Izzy.
And he won’t tell me.
I clench my jaw until it aches. My eyes sting, the tears coming fast and hot—frustration and heartbreak rolled into one unbearable lump in my throat.
“They lied about me,” I whisper, my voice breaking.
My fists close against my knees, nails biting into skin. “Theyruinedeverything. And he knows who did it.”
A pillow hits the wall before I even realize I’ve thrown it.
Then I just sit there, breathing hard, trying not to scream. Trying not to fall apart.
Not yet.
Chapter 10
Cal
“What are you doing here?” Beth asks when she sees me sitting in the kitchen.
“Good morning to you too, little sister,” I say. “We were up late, so I spent the night.”
I don’t tell her the real reason. Last night, we all sat down and agreed I should be the one to tell Beth about Elle.
She’s still in her flannel pajamas and fluffy slippers, looking every bit like the little girl I brought home all those years ago. She’s more like a daughter to me than a sister, and I love her just as deeply as I love Hannah.
I smile when she catches me staring.
“What?” she says, stifling a yawn as she runs her fingers through her tangled hair. “I haven’t even brushed my hair. I’m seriously considering going back to bed.”
“You lazy bum,” I tease, pouring milk over my cereal.
“Did Mom and Dad ditch us?” she asks, rummaging through the fridge.
“They took Hannah to the bakery to pick up some bagels.”
“Are they getting me a blue—?”
“Of course!” I cut in. “A blueberry bagel, toasted, topped with whipped cream cheese.”
"Okay," she says, shutting the refrigerator door. "Call me when they get back. I'm going back to bed."
"Hold on, Beth," I say before she starts back up the stairs.
She pauses and turns. "Beth?" she says, raising an eyebrow. "Wow, I can't remember the last time you called me that. Am I in trouble or... something?"
"Sit down for a minute," I say pulling a stool out for her next to me. "I have something to tell you."
"What is it?" she asks, easing onto the stool, sensing my mood.
