Ivy's eyes felt like they were going to pop out of her head as she processed Jeremy's words. Her father killed her mother? But Aunt Judy had already explained it was a misunderstanding, or was it not? Her mind was reeling with shock, horror, and denial.

"How... is ...that true?" Ivy stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Dad didn't kill my mother. And besides mother would never... she didn't stab you!"

Jeremy's grin returned, and he leaned forward, his eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, but she did, Ivy. And now, it's time for you to pay the price."

Ivy's skin crawled as Jeremy's words dripped with venom. She felt...