“And you go to jail for arson as well as fraud,” Daniel said.

Claire looked at the papers, then at us, her eyes wild in the firelight.

“I won’t let you ruin this family,” Claire whispered.

She brought the flame closer to the dry, yellowed paper.

Just as the edge of the first sheet began to singe, a loud, metallic clank echoed from downstairs.

The heavy double doors of the carriage house slammed shut with a deafening bang.

The sound of a deadbolt sliding into place followed immediately.

We were locked in.

Then, the sound of an engine revving came from the driveway outside.

Claire dropped the lighter, the flame dying as it hit the concrete floor.

“Who is that?” Claire asked, her voice suddenly filled with panic.

I ran to the small window overlooking the driveway and wiped the condensation away.

Through the rain, I saw the headlights of the mysterious car turn on.

The car was moving slowly toward the main house, where Megan and Ethan were still waiting.

My phone in my pocket began to vibrate once more.