Chapter 33: Judgment

Betty filled in Alice over breakfast.

"He should be home tomorrow." She fretted over her toast while Rose stood, silent and watchful, next to the sink. Alice avoided the woman's eyes, feeling her suspicion. Did she know Alice used the doll? "He has a concussion." Betty wrung her hands. "They said he won't be able to play football any more this season."

Alice rejoiced inwardly but slumped, grumbling silently to herself. Hadn't Betty already grounded him? Just more proof her mother never intended to hold to her word. But Alice's irritation with her mother faded when she forced herself to remember what she'd done. With the doll's help, Alice had damaged him enough. And yet, Evan's ticket to a good school had just been punched. Not like they could afford to send him to anything but city college now.

Thanks to Alice.

Rose's gaze burned through Alice as she shifted in her seat.