I needed to look Trevor in the eyes now that his power over us was gone.

Charles understood without me having to say a word.

We drove back to the Crystal Oak Restaurant, the black sedan gliding smoothly over the icy streets.

The police cars parked in the rear alley had their blue and red lights painting the brick walls in vibrant colors.

Inside the kitchen, the air was cold because the back door had been left wide open.

Trevor was sitting on a metal folding chair, his hands cuffed behind his back.

The slick, expensive leather jacket he always wore was stained with grease from the floor.

He looked up as I entered, his face instantly twisting into a desperate mask.

“Emily, please,” Trevor stammered, his voice cracking.

“Tell them I didn’t know about the basement. Tell them I was just following orders.”

“You knew everything, Trevor,” I said, walking right up to him.

“You watched me wash dishes for pennies while you hid my father in a cage.”

“I was protecting you!” he yelled, leaning forward until a police officer pushed him back down.