The Daughter They Sacrificed Chose a New Life novel · Chapter 4 of 24

Chapter 4: The Courtyard

Clayton found me at six, in the courtyard, in front of everyone.

The summer studio held a cookout on Monday evenings.

About thirty students were scattered across the concrete with paper plates, and my professor was arguing with a sculptor over a grill.

I was sitting on the edge of a planter with a veggie burger, and for the first time in days I was almost happy.

Then a man in a navy suit came through the gate, looking for something to be angry at.

He had Dad's height and Mom's mouth. His shoes were wrong for the dust.

"There you are," Clayton said.

He crossed the courtyard and took hold of my arm above the elbow.

The burger fell on the ground.

"Get your things," he said. "Mom booked you a ten o'clock flight. I'm not leaving without you."

The courtyard went quiet.

"Clayton, let go."

"Do you have any idea what this looks like? Chloe has been on an IV since Sunday. Mom hasn't slept. You think you're special because you got into some arts school?"

"Let go of my arm."

"Not until you listen. You owe Chloe. You've always owed her. A man died so you could be standing here, and you can't even sit through one stupid game for her."

His fingers tightened.

People were staring. Somebody had lowered a phone and then raised it again.

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