“You took our rent money,” I said, my voice rising in anger.

“I did what Mother told me to do,” Melanie said.

“She said it was the only way to save Sam from you.”

“You know that’s a lie,” I said. “You saw how she treated me. You helped her lock me away.”

“I didn’t have a choice,” Melanie whispered.

“There is always a choice,” I said.

“Leo is almost here,” Melanie said, her voice suddenly dropping to a panicked whisper.

“I see his truck pulling into the alley behind my building.”

“Melanie, don’t do this,” I said.

“I have to go,” she said.

“She’s watching me, Grace.”

“Who is watching you?” I asked.

The line went dead with a sharp click.

I stared at the black screen of my phone.

My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I looked at Sam, who stirred slightly in his sleep, his little fist clenching.

I needed to warn Leo, but his phone went straight to voicemail when I tried to call.

I stood up and paced the small area of the room.