Chapter 14

Claire

Arthur was still shaking his head. I was clammed up against the wall. I could not move a single muscle.

Deep inside me, I could feel revulsion, annoyance, and even anger. But, on the surface, all that I could feel was fear.

My mind flashed back first to my mother, who had been dismissive of me throughout my life … and then to Agatha. Agatha had belittled, berated, and humiliated me. And what had I ever done? Nothing. Nothing at all.

Arthur had been my safe person. I had thought that he would protect me. Every time that I had been in trouble, he had come to my rescue. And now look at what he had done!

Why could I not express my rage? Why was I so afraid?

“Why are you so afraid, Claire?” Arthur said. Could he read my mind? My throat was dry as sandpaper.

“W-what do you mean?” I meekly let out. My voice was a whisper, barely there. But he had heard me.

Arthur got up and walked over to the dresser across from me. He leaned against it and folded his hand over his chest.

I flinched.