Chapter 4

He led them expertly along the winding paths back to the edge of the ranch. As they drew closer, Darlene saw Tamera waiting for them, biting her lip with worry. If she noticed that they were both flushed and agitated, she didn’t say anything.

“Why the hell’d you let her go off by herself in the woods, papa?” scolded Tamera.

He shrugged. “I thought she could handle it.”

Darlene blushed, avoiding his eye. She addressed Tamera when she spoke.

“Wanna go for a swim?”

Tamera nodded and took Darlene’s hand, leading her back to the house.

“I can’t believe you got lost,” the other girl laughed. “It’s like...