FAMILY SECRETS
My eyes flutter open as reality sinks in. I’m tied to a kitchen chair. A thin nylon rope, bright yellow, is digging into my hands and feet. I no longer have either gun; both are gone, and only a throbbing ache remains.
There’s moisture at the nape of my head. It feels plastered to my scalp, sticky. I struggle to touch it, but the rope restricts me.
I strain to get loose but to no avail.
When my eyes lift, I find Jeff sitting in a kitchen chair directly in front of me. Our gazes clash. He speaks first. “I gather you are probably wondering why I have you tied up.”
“That did cross my mind.” Sarcasm streams into my words.
My eyes comb the cabin. Dr. Rice is standing beside my brother, her manicured hand laid flat, resting on the edge of his shoulder. My eyes narrow at her.
