If I didn’t love Dad so much, I’d be pissed off at him for ruining my life. But no one can stay angry at him for long. He’s such a goofball.
Still, as soon as I built up some savings, I got as far away from Astley as I could. Every day since, my parents have been calling, begging for a visit.
I’ve finally relented in my senior year, and agreed to come home for Christmas. I missed them, and I guess enough time has passed that I’d forgotten how bad the bullying was.
Until I stepped into the Greyhound bus. It all came rushing back to me, and for the past three days of being stuck on this bus, I’ve been quietly freaking out about my decision.
If I run into Quill Nelson, I am going to be so fucking pissed off.
I bite down on the bitterness that always surges up when I think of him, and tune back into the conversation with Dad. He really has a way of babbling on. It’s one of the reasons Mom and I love him, though.
“Things have been crazy at work,” he’s saying excitedly. “Can’t wait to see you and tell you all about it. But let me tell you, pumpkin, I have a feeling your old dad is about to get a major promotion.”
I wince at the old nickname, but don’t protest it, like I used to. Being away at college has me missing Dad’s corny shows of affection.
“That’s great, Dad,” I say. “I’m glad they appreciate your work.”
“We-e-ll…” he hedges. “The truth is, it’s not exactly appreciation. More like sloppiness.” He guffaws. “Bob Nelson never did clean up after himself. And Iamthe janitor. It’s not like I was snooping. But let’s just say I came upon something that he didnotwant me to know about.”
I blink back my exhaustion. “That sounds really interesting. But I’m so tired, could we…”
“You know Logan Colt?”
I suppress a yawn. Yes, everyone in Astley knows of him. One of the untouchable Devils, the founders of the biggest company in the state, which has its headquarters in Astley. Dad works for them, though I doubt he’s ever crossed their paths. Bob Nelson is his manager.
“Nelson left a document lying around,” continues Dad. “I don’t usually snoop, but listen, pumpkin, when I saw your name in big block letters on the top of the paper, how could I not read it? You don’t blame me, right?”
“Sorry, Daddy,” I mumble, my eyes closing in spite of me. “I’m just so tired… three days on a bus with very little sleep. Can we talk about it when I get home?”
“Sure thing, pumpkin,” he says in his hearty voice. “Get some rest. We have all the time in the world.”
I don’t know it yet, but those are the last words I’ll ever hear him say.
2
Piper
Ten years old
“Hey, Glasses! Watch it!”
SLAM.
My entire body jolts into something hard and big and suddenly I’m aware I’m surrounded.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
This really is the best day of my life.
I hate Mom.
Why did she make us move here? Everyone in this town is a mean bully. Not a single person has been nice to us since we moved into the Guest House. That’s what they call the little house that sits on Mrs. Kent’s grounds. It’s the smallest house in Astley. I swear every person in this town has more money than Scrooge.
Now, a group of angry fifth graders are crowding in on me while I shrink back and look for an escape.
There’s no escape. Darn it.
Mom says I need to get my nose out of my books more often. I guess she’s right this time. If I hadn’t been reading, I would have noticed the crowd of boys approaching, and I would have escaped. Now, it’s too late. Might as well face them.
