“You’re safe,” I confirm.
He exhales deeply and shakes his head in shame. “Sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” I say, then turn to Lex. “You should know better.”
Lex rolls his eyes and grabs a discarded copy of the local newspaper from the sofa. He holds it up. A photo of Sunnycrest dons the front page. In it, the building looks almost idyllic. No one knows what really happens behind those doors.
“Have you seen this?” Lex asks. “Fucking unbelievable.”
“We’ll be ready tomorrow,” I say.
We always are. Only this year, it’ll be different…
We’re ready to disrupt his freak show.
We have friends in the asylum. Our eyes and ears are everywhere. And we can’t stop—won’t stop—until we exact our revenge. We’ve made it out, but it’s not over. It can’t be when he’s still in control. We have to end this for good.
Her setting a trap for us shows she’s ready for the next phase, but are we?
CHAPTER
NINETEEN
ERIN
The annual openevening at Sunnycrest is an opportunity to showcase their advancements in the field of psychiatry and raise funds. Industry professionals, financial donors, and key influential figures—including the mayor, sheriff, and local business owners—all attend. It’s also a chance to provide reassurance that it’s secure following the recent breakout. Despite Dad’s best efforts to brush the incident under the carpet, there have been whispers across town about whether it’s still a safe place to have on the doorstep.
After yesterday’s encounter with Lex and Dad force-feeding me more pills, I’ve spent most of the day in the salon. My stylist successfully evened up my cut with feathery layers that rest between my chin and shoulder blades.
“Ouch!” I yelp, accidentally catching myself with the curling iron.
Loose waves complete my look. Mom picked me a black dress with white pearl buttons and an oversized lace collar to wear. It sits below the knee, complete with puffy sleeves that go down to my wrists.
“Where are you, Erin?” Mom calls. “It’s time to go.”
I frown at the mirror. Blusher, lip gloss, and mascara don’t stop me from looking ill, but at least foundation covers the bruising on my neck.
“Erin!” Dad roars. “We’re leaving. Now!”
I hurry down to find Mom making the final adjustments to Dad’s tie and smoothing his suit. They’re dressed like they’re attending the Oscars, Mom in a slinky white dress with a giant diamond necklace and Dad in a flashy tux.
“The driver is waiting,” Mom says.
We always hire a car for the event.
As we leave, Dad grabs my arm to hold me back. “Have you taken your pills?”
I nod.
“Good.” His grip loosens, but he glares in warning. “No funny business tonight.”
“Of course,” I reply. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
He scowls, sensing a hint of sarcasm.
After Lex telling me to look closer to home for answers, I’ve made a plan. The first place to search will be my father’s office, but it’ll have to wait. Despite Lex’s hint, I don’t believe Dad can really be involved in Sarah’s disappearance. Sure, he has flaws, but losing her changed him. He tried not to show it, but he was devastated when she vanished. Although he tried to control Sarah’s life, he only wanted to protect her.
Our drive to Sunnycrest is filled with Dad bragging about tonight’s guests, while Mom preens her hair. I shiver, recalling the last time I made this journey. The night everything changed. The night I met them.
