"Get back upstairs, Austin. Now!" I snapped, stepping between my son and Michael.
"But Mom—"
"Now!" My voice cracked like a whip.
Austin's eyes widened. I rarely used that tone with him. His bottom lip trembled as he backed away, but not before shooting one more curious glance at Michael.
"Is everything okay?" Alex appeared at the top of the stairs, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Perfect. Just what I needed—both boys awake for this nightmare.
"Everything's fine," I called up, my forced cheerfulness fooling no one. "Go back to bed, both of you. We'll talk in the morning."
"But that's—" Alex started.
"In the morning, Alex!" I cut him off, hands shaking. "This isn't up for discussion."
The boys retreated, whispering furiously to each other. I turned back to Michael, fury bubbling up ins
