Chapter Ninety-Nine

Rayne

I hear my father's booming voice before I find out what's going on.

He's standing at the door and yelling at someone. Or at people. I’m not sure at the moment. Darla and I glance at each other. My heart is racing. I’m wondering if it’s Max and his people. Did he come to see me? It seems likely. Unless Alaska told him what she told me, he probably doesn’t know why I ran away, but I think that’s unlikely.

I step forward. I’m too anxious and impatient to wait.

“Dad? What’s wrong?”

“Stand back, Rayne,” he tells me hurriedly without even turning to face me. “Go up to your room and don’t come back no matter what.”

My eyes fill with tears. Judging by the sound of his voice, it’s more serious than I initially thought.

“Is it him?” I ask.

“No,” he tells me. “It’s GrayLeaf.”

Before I can say anything else, I hear a voice from outside. “If the criminal is in there, send her out. Attempting to intervene with the court of law will only cause you more trouble.”

“Bring the court and ever